Placenta Abruption

Placenta abruption is the separation of the placenta from its attachment to the uterus wall before the baby is delivered” – US National Library of Medicine, PubMed Health

- Loren Stow

Placenta abruption is the most common cause of stillbirth in South Africa, having directly caused 25.5% of all newborn deaths at the Tygerberg Academic Hospital between 2006-2007, where the baby’s birth weight was more than one kilogram.

The American Pregnancy Association explains that only one in every 100 pregnant women will develop this condition and that it can be successfully treated if discovered early.

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS DURING A PLACENTA ABRUPTION?

The placenta is a baby’s life-support system, acting as the sole provider of oxygen and nutrients in the uterus. When the placenta separates from the uterus lining, it can interfere with the baby’s supply of essential oxygen and nutrients.

WHAT CAUSES PLACENTA ABRUPTION?

The exact cause is not always determined, but there could be direct causes – which are usually rare – as well as risk factors:

DIRECT CAUSES

• Injury to the belly from a fall, impact or car accident

• Sudden loss of uterine volume, such as losing a lot of amniotic fluid

RISK FACTORS

• Blood-clotting disorders, such as thrombosis

• Smoking, drinking more than 14 alcoholic drinks per week, or using cocaine

• Diabetes or high blood pressure

• A history of placenta abruption

• Large number of previous deliveries

• Older mother

• Uterine fibroids

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Although not always apparent, the symptoms of placenta abruption are:

• Abdominal and back pain

• Frequent contractions

• Vaginal bleeding (sometimes)

HOW IS PLACENTA ABRUPTION TREATED?