This occurs when the placenta dislodges itself from
the wall of the uterus prematurely, causing the mother
to bleed. Usually it happens close to term or during
labor. It is dangerous for both the mother and baby
as the blood loss is sudden and plenty and at the same
time painful. Sometimes there is an internal hemorrhage;
the bleeding happens inside but you will look pale and
feel faint and shaky. There are no known reasons but
this condition has been associated with the following:
• Preeclampsia, chronic hypertension or gestational
hypertension
• Intrauterine growth restriction
• Having more than 5 pregnancies
• Had an abruption previously
• Have blood clotting disorders
• Have over-distended uterus
• Have polyhyramnios
• Carrying multiples
• Smoking
• Preterm premature rupture of membranes
Placental abruption may also be a direct result of an
abdominal injury, e.g. you fall onto your stomach, or
you are involved in a major accident.
As mentioned sometimes because the bleeding is internal,
you may not see any blood initially but you will feel
weak. The bleeding follows soon enough but there are
some obvious changes that need immediate medical attention.
So if you experience any of the below signs, don't delay
and call your doctor right away:
• You feel weak, faint, pale, sweaty, disoriented
or your heart beats real fast
• Cramping with or without back ache
• Abdominal pain, tenderness in the abdomen
• Frequent contractions or a prolonged contraction
• A decrease in fetal movement
• Vaginal bleeding that is dark red
In some cases the problem goes away with time and your
pregnancy can continue as normal. In other situations
the birth must be induced and cesarean becomes imminent.
