The Common Vein Copyright 2010
Derfinition
Placental Abruption is a disorder of placental bleeding during pregnancy.
The cause is premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall resulting in hemorrhage.
The structural change is characterized by partial or complete separation of the placenta from the uterine wall.
The functional changes are characterized by bleeding from the placenta and exposed endometrium. The blood may be confined to the uterine cavity or bleed through the cervical os. The functional changes may include insufficient blood flow to the fetus.
Women present clinically with bleeding accompanied by abdominal pain, uterine cramping and fetal distress.
Diagnosis is made based on clinical history and exam. Imaging with ultrasound is used to rule out placenta previa.
Treatment of severe bleeds is cesarean delivery. Vaginal delivery may be attempted in women with controlled bleeds and without fetal distress.