

While the exact cause in most cases is unknown, certain factors make a pregnancy more susceptible to placental abruption. Possible causes of uterine decompression include the birth of the first twin (or multiple) or rupture of amniotic membranes when there is excessive amniotic fluid. Uterine decompression – this is a sudden loss of amniotic fluid from the uterus, which can suck the placenta from the uterus wall.

Examples of events that may cause this type of injury could include a car accident, assault or fall. Abdominal trauma – an injury to the pregnant woman’s abdomen may tear the placenta from the wall of the uterus.Some of the known causes of placental abruption include: It is thought that an abnormal blood supply in the uterus or placenta may play a role, but the cause of the suspected abnormality isn’t clear. In most cases, doctors don’t know the exact cause or causes of placental abruption. This is known as a ‘retroplacental clot’. In some cases, bleeding may occur but the blood may clot between the placenta and the wall of the uterus, so vaginal bleeding may be scanty or even non-existent. Fetal distress – for example, abnormal heart rhythm.Bleeding, most commonly noticed when the woman starts bleeding from the vagina.Some of the symptoms and signs of moderate to severe placental abruption include: About 25 per cent of cases are moderate, while the remaining 25 per cent threaten the life of both baby and mother. In about half of cases, placental abruption is mild and can be managed by ongoing close monitoring of the mother and baby. Worldwide, placental abruption occurs in about one pregnancy in every 100. Without prompt medical treatment, a severe case of placental abruption can have dire consequences for the mother and her unborn child, including death. It may also interfere with the unborn baby’s supply of oxygen and nutrients, which the placenta provides from the mother’s bloodstream through the lining of the uterus.ĭoctors cannot reattach the placenta. Placental abruption means the placenta has detached (come away) from the wall of the uterus, either partly or totally.
