What Is Placental Abruption?

Placental abruption is a serious pregnancy complication. The condition occurs when the placenta either completely, or partially detaches from the wall of the uterus before the baby is delivered. When placental abruption occurs, there is a threat of massive bleeding by mother. This in turn can lead to a reduced level of blood and oxygen flowing to the baby. For many mothers, placental abruption is a sudden onset, and if left untreated, can cause injury to mother and baby. Although placental abruption can occur early in the pregnancy, it usually occurs during labor and delivery, as this is a time of extreme stress. When placental abruption is not present, the placenta is delivered following the birth of the child. The placenta is important for a baby in many ways. Some of the things the placenta is responsible for in a developing baby are as follows:

Oxygen

Removal Of Waste

Helps Prevent Infection

Hormones Which Support Pregnancy

Helps To Develop The Umbilical Cord

If doctors suspect placental abruption, close attention must be paid to mother and baby. A partial abruption can quickly lead to a complete separation, thus triggering the need to deliver the baby ASAP, usually through an emergency C-Section.

How Can A Woman Know If She Might Be Dealing With Placental Abruption?

Some of the signs and symptoms of placental abruption are:

Sudden Abdominal Pain

Vaginal Tenderness

Back Pain

Heavy Bleeding

Low Blood Pressure

Longer Than Normal Uterine Contractions

Fetal Distress

Fetal distress can be a result of placental abruption because of the mother’s loss of blood. When the baby’s blood supply is compromised, there is always a concern of fetal hypoxia. During delivery, the electronic fetal heart monitor can alert doctors that the baby is no longer tolerating the vaginal delivery. Because of the threat of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, the doctor must be ready to perform an emergency C-Section, to help prevent injury to the baby, and mother.

What Are The Risk Factors Associated With Placental Abruption?

Below are some of the things with can increase the risk of placental abruption:

Increased Age For Mom Especially After 40

A Previous Placental Abruption

Preeclampsia

Chorioamnionitis: This is a bacterial infection which inflames the fetal membranes. Chorioamnionitis can also lead to prolonged labor.

Low Birthweight

Cigarette Smoking

Cocaine Use

Multiple Babies During Pregnancy

Why We Care

The HIE Resource Place is a website owned and operated by Boston Law Group, LLC. We are birth trauma legal professionals who help families gain an understanding into the world of HIE. This website is a continuation of our mission (more than 200k views on our YouTube educational video channel) to provide families with an avenue to learn more about their baby’s HIE condition from a medical legal standpoint.

It has been our experience that for many families, when a baby is diagnosed with HIE, there are many questions. From how did the HIE diagnosis occur, to what do we do now, families can experience fear and isolation due to “not knowing what’s next.”

Please use this website to expand your understanding of HIE from a medical legal standpoint and do not hesitate to contact us regarding your questions. If you are wondering, you only pay our legal fees if we win for you and your family. We can be reached for a free discussion and talk about your baby’s story at 1-833-4HIEHELP or 1-833-444-3435.