Placental abruption (abruptio placenta) is an uncommon. The placenta is part of your baby's life support system. It transfers oxygen and nutrients to your baby. In humans, it refers to the abnormal separation after 20 weeks of gestation and prior to birth. It occurs in 1% of pregnancies world wide with a fetal mortality rate of 20-40% depending on the degree of separation. Placental abruption is also a significant contributor to maternal mortality.

When the placenta separates from your uterine lining before labor it can interrupt the transportation of oxygen and nutrients to your baby. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus prior to the birth of the baby. It is the most common cause of late pregnancy bleeding. Placental abruption is also a significant contributor to maternal mortality.

The cause of abruption is unknown, but high blood pressure, cocaine use, and cigarette smoking during pregnancy greatly increase your risk. Other factors that raise your chances of an abruption include trauma and abnormalities of the uterus or umbilical cord, and being over 35 years of age. And if you had an abruption in a previous pregnancy, you have a 10 percent chance of another occurrence.

The main sign of placental abruption is dark red vaginal bleeding. This bleeding may be slight or it may be quite profuse.Various factors may increase the risk of placental abruption. High blood pressure increases the risk of placental abruption, whether you have chronic high blood pressure or the high blood pressure first developed during pregnancy. Placental abruption is more common in women age 40 and older. Placental abruption is more common in women who smoke, drink alcohol, or use cocaine or methamphetamine during pregnancy. The risk of placental abruption is higher if you have an unusually large amount of amniotic fluid.

Treatment

The first line of treatment for placental abruption involves replacing the mother's lost blood with blood transfusions and fluids given through a needle in a vein. Oxygen will be administered, usually by a mask or through tubes leading to the nose. When the placental separation is severe, treatment may require prompt delivery of the baby.

Prevention

You can't prevent placental abruption — but you can decrease certain risk factors. Don't drink alcohol, smoke or take illicit drugs during pregnancy. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, work with your health care provider to control your condition.