Abruptio placenta

Abruptio placenta, or placental abruption, is detachment of the placenta after the 20th week of gestation. Before the 20th week of gestation, this is considered a normal event of miscarriage during a non-viable stage. Placental abruption is a life-threatening risk to the fetus when the placental blood supply and oxygen is cut off but can also be a life-threatening risk to the mother due to hemmorhage/blood loss.

Rates of placental abruption:

1 in 200 for a normal pregnancy but the risk for placental abruption increases with prior cesarean delivery or previous placental abruption.

Partial placental abruption:

In some cases, where the placenta does not completely detach and the fetus is not at immediate risk, a mother will be put on bed rest to await labor and/or cesarean delivery. Most cases of placental abruption at term or past assumed viability are immediately delivered via cesarean section.