by R.L Hanlon

Created on: July 27, 2008

Placental abruption is a condition that most often occurs in the second and third trimester of a pregnancy. It is when the organ that nourishes a baby called the placenta, separates from the uterine wall prior to the birth of the baby.

The causes of this condition are unknown but some risks have been identified that may contribute to its occurrence.
Following is a description of placental abruption and how it occurs, the risks to the mother and baby and reasons why it may occur.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PLACENTA

The placenta is the organ that attaches to the uterine wall during pregnancy and is the method in which the fetus receives nourishment from the mother. Most importantly, the placenta provides oxygen to the fetus until after it has been delivered and is breathing independently.

DIAGNOSING PLACENTAL ABRUPTION

According to Discovery Health, this condition occurs in approximately one out of 100 pregnancies. It most often occurs during the birth and delivery but also within the second and third trimesters prior to birth.

A woman who may be experiencing this condition will suffer bleeding from the vagina, tenderness in the uterus and abdominal pain and cramping.

Sometimes the mother may also begin experiencing the onset of labor by experiencing contractions.

RISKS THAT INCREASE PLACENTAL ABRUPTION OCCURING

Although an actual reason for this condition has not been found, a number of factors and risks have been found that may contribute to placental abruption occurring.

~High Blood pressure
~Smoking cigarettes
~Cocaine usage
~Alcohol consumption
~Abnormalities in the uterus
~Abnormalities in the umbilical cord
~Women over the age of 35
~Trauma to the abdomen in a previous accident
~Diabetes

HOW IS PLACENTAL ABRUPTION TREATED

Upon diagnosis of this condition, which is usually provided by the description of symptoms given by the mother and an ultrasound, how it is treated will depend on its severity.

The abruption may only be partial or it could be a total peeling away from the wall. Blood transfusions may be given to the mother depending on her blood loss.

Depending on the age of the fetus and the severity of the abruption, the mother and baby will be monitored closely to see if the baby can be delivered safely or whether an emergency cesarean may be required.

The exact reason why placental abruption is caused is unknown, but by eliminating certain risks it can decrease the chances of this occurring in a pregnancy. If you think you may be suffering from a possible placental abruption, seek advice and attention from your health care providers immediately.

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