Health A-Z

What Is Placental Abruption?

Placental abruption is something that can happen suddenly during pregnancy. It can be dangerous for you and your baby. Fortunately, it’s not common.

Your placenta develops in your uterus while you’re pregnant. It sends nutrients and oxygen from you to your baby, and it helps get rid of waste that builds up in your baby’s blood. It’s attached to the wall of your uterus, and your baby is attached to that by their umbilical cord. If you have placental abruption, the placenta separates from your uterus too soon, before your baby is ready to be born.

Placental Abruption Signs and Symptoms

Placental abruption affects about 1% of pregnant woman. It can occur at any time after 20 weeks of pregnancy, but it’s most common in the third trimester.

When it happens, it’s usually sudden. You might notice vaginal bleeding, but there might not be any. The amount of blood can vary. Just because there’s not a lot of blood doesn’t mean the placental abruption isn’t severe. Sometimes, blood gets trapped inside the uterus.

Other signs include:

• Pain in your belly or back
• Tenderness or quick, repeated contractions in your uterus
• Problems with the baby’s heart rate

  Placental abruption can happen little by little, too, called “chronic abruption.” You might notice:

• You have light vaginal bleeding that happens on and off.
• You have a low amount of amniotic fluid.
• Your baby isn’t growing as fast as they should.
•  

Placental Abruption Treatment

The placenta can’t be reattached, so your treatment options depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy, severity of the abruption and status of mother and baby.

• If you’re less than 34 weeks pregnant: You might have be admitted into the hospital for monitoring -- as long as your baby’s heart rate is normal and the placental abruption doesn’t seem to be severe. If your baby appears to be doing fine and you stop bleeding, you eventually might be able to go home. You might also be given steroids to help your baby’s lungs develop faster in case you do go into labor early.
• If you’re more than 34 weeks pregnant: You might still be able to have a vaginal delivery if the abruption doesn’t seem severe. If it is, and it’s putting your health or your baby’s health at risk, you’ll need a C-section right away. You might also need a blood transfusion.

Placental Abruption Diagnosis

If you’re having bleeding or abdominal pain, you’ll need to see your doctor right away. They’ll do a physical exam and run blood tests, and also may perform an ultrasound to see inside your uterus. (Ultrasounds don’t always show placental abruptions).