DEFINITION
What Is Placental Abruption?
Placenta Abruption is the premature detachment of the placenta. This is a rare but serious complication of pregnancy. The placenta provides nutrition to the baby during pregnancy. In abruptio, the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus before birth. Placental abruption can be divided into 3 stages, I, II, and III, from mild to severe.
How Common Is Placental Abruption?
Placental abruption is rare but very serious. Pregnant women are more at risk during the third trimester but this can happen after the 20th week. Only about 1% of all pregnant women experience placental abruption. Consult your doctor for more information.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Placental Abruption?
Symptoms that often occur in abruptio placenta are:
- Uterine bleeding, abnormal uterine contractions, and fetal distress that can be checked from the fetal heart rate
- Very painful uterine contractions
- Weakness, low blood pressure, fast heart rate, abdominal pain, and back pain
In addition, the symptoms that appear may differ depending on the severity of placental abruption (stages I, II, and III):
- Stage I: light vaginal bleeding, mild uterine contractions, stable vital signs, and steady fetal heart rate. Normal blood clotting time
- Stage II: moderate bleeding, abnormal contractions, low blood pressure, fetal distress, and abnormalities in blood clotting
- Stage III: this stage is the most severe stage; Symptoms include heavy bleeding and contractions, low blood pressure, fetal death, and difficulty clotting blood
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When Should I See A Doctor?
You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Stomach pain
- Back pain
- Constant feeling of tension in the uterus
If you have the above signs or symptoms or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
REASON
What causes placental abruption?
The exact cause of placental abruption is not clearly known, but it is not a hereditary condition.
- Trauma during pregnancy can cause abruptio placentae
- Direct trauma to the abdominal area (due to a fall, car accident, being hit or falling while working)
- As a result of the needle wound in the placenta in the wrong place, bleeding, hematoma forms after peeling each other
- If external cephalic tips from obstetricians and health workers are not appropriate, this also causes the risk of placental abruption.
RISK FACTORS
What Increases My Risk For Placental Abruption?
There are many risk factors for placental abruption, namely:
History of abruptio placentae: If you have had abruptio placentae in a previous pregnancy, you are at risk for experiencing abruptio placentae in future pregnancies
High blood pressure: High blood pressure increases the risk of placental abruption in women
Trauma to the abdomen: a blow to your abdomen (eg an accident) increases the risk of placental abruption
Drug abuse: Placental abruption is more likely to occur if you smoke or take cocaine during pregnancy
Premature rupture of the amniotic sac: During pregnancy, the fetus is surrounded by a protective layer called the amniotic sac. The risk of placental abruption increases if the amniotic sac ruptures before birth
Blood clotting disorders: Any condition that affects blood clotting increases the risk of placental abruption
Multiple pregnancies: If you are having twins or triplets, the first birth may result in changes to the uterus, causing abruptio placentae before the birth of the second baby
Your age: Placental abruption is more common in older women, especially over 40 years old
TREATMENT
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What Are My Treatment Options For Placental Abruption?
Therapy is given in the hospital. The medical team, namely doctors and nurses, will stabilize your condition first. You will receive fluids and injections to stabilize your blood pressure and maintain the amount of urine you pass. In emergency cases, the doctor will perform a cesarean section or blood transfusion. Most full-term babies have different statuses to be born normally, but they need a pediatrician.
What Are The Usual Tests For Placental Abruption?
Placental abruption can be diagnosed in several ways:
- Medical history check
- Physical examination
- Blood tests and other laboratory tests
HOME REMEDIES
What Are Some Lifestyle Changes Or Home Remedies That Can Be Used To Treat Placental Abruption?
Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you cope:
- Perform routine pregnancy control checks for the detection of placental abruption to receive immediate treatment at the hospital
- Treatment for diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure to lower the risk of abruptio placentae
- If you have any questions, consult a doctor for the best solution for your problem.