The placenta is the organ that develops during pregnancy. Through it, the exchange of nutrients and oxygen takes place between the mother and her baby. The placenta is attached to the wall of the uterus and is highly vascularized. Placental abruption is an uncommon yet serious complication of pregnancy.

It is a condition in which the placenta detaches partially or fully from the wall of the uterus. Due to this, the nutritional and oxygen supply to the baby gets blocked. It can cause severe bleeding in the mother. If you are pregnant, you should attend your visit with the health care provider. For that, you can visit the best gynecologist in Johar Town Lahore. 

Placental abruption, if left untreated, can become life-threatening for both, the mother and the baby. It often happens suddenly. Therefore, if you feel any symptoms like that, you must rush to the hospital as soon as possible. 

Symptoms

Placental abruption mostly occurs in the third trimester, often just days before the delivery. Sometimes it may cause vaginal bleeding while sometimes not. It is because the blood may remain trapped inside. Moreover, placental abruption can occur suddenly as well as gradually. When it occurs slowly, it affects the child’s growth. Your baby may not grow normally. She may be of smaller size as compared to other children. 

The signs and symptoms of placental abruption are:

Back pain

Uterine contractions-one after another 

Abdominal pain 

Tender uterus 

Vaginal bleeding 

Causes 

The exact cause of placental abruption is unknown. However, it can occur due to trauma. Falling down or getting injured may cause loss of fluid around the baby, which acts as a cushion, eventually leading to abruption of the placenta. 

Risk factors 

Factors that predispose you to placental abruption are:

Placental abruption in previous pregnancy without any trauma 

Hypertension-chronic uncontrolled high blood pressure 

Problems related to blood pressure – eclampsia, pre-eclampsia, and Help syndrome 

Smoking 

Falling down 

A blow to the abdomen 

Early membrane rupture that causes leakage of amniotic fluid

Cocaine use during pregnancy 

Mother aged above 40

Infection inside of the uterus 

Complications 

Placental abruption can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby. It can cause the following complications in the mother:

Blood clotting problems 

Hypotension and shock due to excessive blood loss, eventually causing organ failure.

If uterine bleeding is uncontrollable, hysterectomy – removal of the uterus may be needed.

In a baby, placental abruption can lead to :

Not getting enough nutrients that lead to small growth ad compared to other normal babies.

Premature birth

Stillbirth

Hypoxia

Prevention 

The exact cause of placental abruption is unknown. But you can practice the following measures to prevent it:

Do not use illegal drugs during pregnancy. Also, do not smoke cigarettes. Try at least leaving them during pregnancy as they are not good for your and your child’s health. 

Do not wear heels as they increase the chances of your falling down, eventually causing trauma to the abdomen. 

Wear a seat belt to protect yourself from any motor vehicle accident trauma. 

Monitor your blood pressure. If it remains elevated, consult with a healthcare provider and take the medications on time. Keeping your blood pressure under normal limits is necessary for your and your child’s health. 

If you have had placental abruption in the past pregnancy and you are planning the next one, consult with your doctor first. 

Conclusion 

Placental abruption is a life-threatening condition in which the placenta detaches partially or completely from the uterus wall. Mostly, it occurs in the last trimester.

It may or may not cause bleeding. If you have had a placental abruption and you are planning another pregnancy, you should consult with your gynecologist first. They can help you in devising the right prevention measures. For that, you can visit the best gynecologist in Clifton Karachi.