Placenta abruption (or abruptio placenta) is a serious
pregnancy complication in which the placenta detaches from the uterine wall
before the baby is born. This can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients and
can cause heavy bleeding in the mother, making it a potentially
life-threatening condition for both the mother and the baby.
There are two main types of placental abruption:
- Partial
abruption: Only a portion of the placenta detaches.
- Complete
abruption: The entire placenta detaches from the uterine wall.
Causes and Risk Factors:
The exact cause of placenta abruption is often unknown, but
some common risk factors include:
- High
blood pressure (pre-eclampsia)
- Trauma
or injury to the abdomen
- Multiple
pregnancies (twins or more)
- Smoking
or drug use (especially cocaine)
- Previous
history of placenta abruption
- Older
maternal age
- Blood
clotting disorders
Symptoms:
- Vaginal
bleeding (although not always present)
- Abdominal
pain or tenderness
- Back
pain
- Contractions
or uterine rigidity
- Decreased
fetal movement
- Premature
labor
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Placenta abruption is often diagnosed based on symptoms,
physical examination, and imaging tests, such as an ultrasound. However,
ultrasound may not always detect the condition.
Treatment depends on the severity of the abruption, the
gestational age of the pregnancy, and the health of the mother and baby. If the
abruption is mild and the baby is not in distress, the doctor may monitor the
pregnancy closely. If the abruption is severe, immediate delivery may be
required, especially if the baby is near full term or if the mother's life is
at risk.
Potential Complications:
For the mother:
- Heavy
bleeding leading to shock
- Organ
failure
- Blood
clotting issues (disseminated intravascular coagulation)
For the baby:
- Preterm
birth
- Fetal
growth restriction
- Oxygen
deprivation
- Stillbirth
(in severe cases)
Early diagnosis and prompt medical intervention are critical
for improving outcomes for both mother and baby.
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