Placental abruption

Placental abruption – a premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before the baby is born. Abruption is diagnosed when there is vaginal bleeding or blood is noticed behind the placenta. Abruption can be partial or complete. Placental abruption presents with vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and spasmodic contractions in the second half of pregnancy. This pathology increases the risk of mortality and complications for both the mother and the fetus. Risk factors include smoking, trauma, hypertension, and cocaine use. Placental abruption is diagnosed clinically and by ultrasound data. The treatment strategy is chosen based on the age of the fetus, the degree of detachment, and the condition of the mother and fetus.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology