placental abruption

bruption- third trimester

What is placental abruption?

The placenta is the primary source to provide all nutrients to the baby during the whole pregnancy. It serves as a connection between mother and baby. It usually gets attached to the wall of the uterus. Placental abruption is the placenta separating completely or partially from the wall of the uterus. it is a severe condition and should be treated as an emergency

Who is at high risk of having placental abruption?

following are high-risk conditions, and you are more prone to abruption in cases of-

1 trauma or accident

2 previous placental abruption

3 twins or triplets

4 pre-eclampsia

5 smoking 

6 age more than 35 years

7 fibroid uterusplacental abruption

How can placental abruption affect my baby and me

Placental abruption can be life-threatening if treatment is not done on time. it can result in

for your baby

premature birth

low birth weight of the baby

brain injury

for you-

blood loss or hemorrhage

kidney failure

clotting problems

shock

What symptoms can I get?

you can get any of these symptoms-

vaginal bleeding

severe constant tummy pain

tender uterus

backache or back pain

reduced fetal movements

all these symptoms can resemble other pregnancy conditions as well. you must see your health care provider if you start experiencing any of these

What will my healthcare provider do?

You will be asked about current symptoms and your pregnancy as well. You will be examined through the tummy, and maybe an internal examination is done as well. further blood tests and scans might be done depending on the severity and urgency of the situation

How is placental abruption treated?

your treatment depends on the following factors-

1 severity of the abruption

2 gestational age of the unborn baby

3 signs of fetal distress

4 amount of blood loss

The severity of abruption plays the most crucial role in deciding treatment for you

if the abruption is mild and your blood loss is minimal. Your baby’s heartbeat is normal. You will be initially monitored in the hospital and if the bleeding stops. Your baby’s condition remains stable. Your health care provider may advise you to continue your pregnancy depending on your gestational age. You might also be given medication to mature baby’s lungs

if the abruption is moderate or severe and is ongoing, your baby is in distress, then. then your health care provider will advise you to go for normal vaginal delivery or cesarean section depending on various factors as how stable is you and your baby’s condition, your previous obstetric history, and the gestational age of your baby