A condition in which the placenta becomes detached from the wall of the uterus during pregnancy. This very rare condition is considered a life-threatening emergency, because it can cut off the blood circulation of the fetus. The chief symptom is sudden abdominal pain, caused when the placenta detaches from the uterus. Some women also experience nausea and vomiting. Vaginal bleeding may or may not occur, because the blood may remain trapped between the placenta and the uterus.
The detachment of the placenta from the wall of the uterus, resulting in the interruption of blood circulation to the developing fetus.
The detachment of the entire or a portion of the placenta from the uterine wall prior to the baby’s delivery.
The precise origin of placental abruption remains uncertain, though it tends to occur more frequently in women with persistent hypertension (high blood pressure), as well as those who have a history of the condition or multiple pregnancies. Factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption might also contribute to the likelihood of experiencing placental abruption.
Signs typically emerge abruptly and are contingent upon the extent of placental detachment from the uterine wall. These indicators encompass vaginal bleeding, which in cases of complete separation can escalate to severe hemorrhaging; abdominal cramps or backache; intense, persistent abdominal discomfort; and decreased fetal movements.
If the bleeding persists or resumes, there might be a need to initiate labor artificially. For minor instances of placental abruption, hospital bed-rest is usually the prescribed approach. In more critical scenarios of placental abruption, an emergency cesarean section is often imperative to ensure the survival of the fetus. Occasionally, a blood transfusion might also be necessary.