You have bleeding (anything more than slight spotting) during pregnancy. This is an emergency!
Partial separation of the placenta (also called the afterbirth)
from the wall of the uterus in the last 3 months of
pregnancy. The placenta carries all nourishment and
oxygen to the unborn child. If the placenta partially separates
prematurely, the child's life will be endangered.
Treatment depends on the severity of the separation,
the condition of the fetus, and the duration of the pregnancy.
Frequent signs and symptoms
Small separation of the placenta:
Mild pain or discomfort.
Unborn child remains healthy.
Heavy vaginal bleeding.
Severe pain in the lower abdomen or back.
Hard, tender abdomen.
Shock (rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing and dizziness).
Fetal distress; heartbeat of the unborn child may be inaudible.
Coagulopathy (disseminated intravascular coagulopathy [DIC])-certain elements of the placenta are released into the mother's circulation causing blood clotting defects.
Symptoms can include nosebleed, blood in the urine, oozing from the puncture sites, bleeding into the skin, round red spots on the skin.
If pregnant, don't engage in activity more vigorous
than what you were accustomed to before pregnancy.
Avoid risk factors when possible.
Since the cause is unknown, there is no assured way to prevent the problem.
When the separation is less severe, and with immediate
medical care, the outlook for mother and fetus is good.
Shock or life-threatening bleeding in the mother.
Death of unborn child and mother.
Brain damage to the unborn child.
10 to 17% of patients have abruptio placentae in a future pregnancy.
Abruptio Placentae Treatment
Abruptio placentae is an emergency, but there is usually time to obtain advice by telephone and arrange safe transportation to the hospital. Panic is not helpful. If the placenta separation is slight, you may be able to return home for bed rest and close observation after examination.
Hospitalization required (except for mild cases).
Surgery to deliver the unborn child by cesarean section or vaginal delivery (sometimes).
Oxytocin to induce labor, if immediate delivery is necessary.
Intravenous fluids may be necessary.
Blood transfusions may be necessary to replace amount of blood lost.
If you are able to remain at home, rest in bed until
bleeding and other symptoms cease. Do not resume
normal activities until specific instructions to do so are
given to you.
If you are resting at home, continue with your regular diet.
If hospitalized, a liquid-only diet may be prescribed until it is determined that surgery is not likely. Solid food may lead to complications if emergency surgery becomes necessary.