Is a significant complication of the placenta that occurs during pregnancy

Occurs when the lining of the placental detaches from the uterus.

Also referred to as abruptio placenta

Is a condition that is overall very rare – but when it occurs it can be a common cause of both maternal and fetus mortality.

A concerning cause for vaginal bleeding during pregnancy

Can be seen in more then 1% of pregnancies

Symptoms:

   -    Vaginal bleeding
   -    Abdominal pain
   -    Uterus pain
   -    Contractions
   -    Abdominal cramping
   -    Back pain

Causes:

   -    Trauma
   -    Car Accidents
   -    Falls
   -    Hypertension
   -    Difficulty with bleeding disorders
   -    Short umbilical cord   [Unusually short]

Ultrasound is a common and very helpful procedure to help diagnosis

Complications

   -    Fetal distress
   -    Premature birth
   -    Brain damage for child
   -    Severe bleeding for pregnant mother
   -    Clotting difficulties for mother
   -    Shock for mother

Classifications

1.)   Grade 0   -   No symptoms – only finding postpartum
2.)   Grade 1   -   Vaginal bleeding and some pain   -   No distress
3.)   Grade 2   -   Symptoms   -   No shock for mother   -   Some fetal distress
4.)   Grade 3   -   Severe bleeding   -   Shock is present   -   Fetal death occurs

Treatment

   -    Delivary of the fetus
   -    Monitoring if no distress and less then 35 weeks
   -    Blood volume replacement
   -    Vaginal birth if allowed
   -    C-section typically in emergencies
   -    Close monitoring of both fetus and mother following delivery for several days