Definition

The placenta is an organ that nourishes the baby in the womb. Placental abruption is when it parts from the womb before a baby is born.

Placental Abruption Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

The exact cause is not always known. Other times it may be due to:

• Rupture of an artery or vein in the uterus which causes bleeding between the placenta and the uterine wall
• Problems with how the placenta forms
• Low oxygen levels in the uterus
• Injury to the belly from an accident or a fall
• Sudden decrease in the volume of the uterus, such as from losing amniotic fluid or from the delivery of a first twin

Risk Factors

This health problem is more common in older mothers.

Other things that may raise the risk are:

• Trauma
• Prior abruption
• Multiple prior deliveries
• Smoking during pregnancy
• Substance use disorder, especially cocaine
• Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
• High blood pressure during pregnancy
• Being pregnant with multiples
• Prior cesarean section (C-section)

Symptoms

In the early stages, there may not be symptoms. Women who do have symptoms may have:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Belly pain
• Back pain
• Rapid contractions

Diagnosis

The doctor may ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. A pelvic exam will also be done.

You may have:

• Blood tests
• Ultrasound to view the baby

Treatment

Treatment depends on the how much the placenta has separated and the health of the mother and fetus. Choices are:

• Bed rest and close monitoring that may include treatments such as blood transfusions
• Emergency vaginal or cesarean delivery if the mother and fetus are in danger

Prevention

The risk of this problem can be lowered by avoiding drugs and not smoking during pregnancy.