Sometimes the act of getting pregnant ends up having very little to do with sex. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization.

The placenta is an organ that provides nutrients to your baby while you’re pregnant.

About 1 in 100 pregnant women (1 percent) have placental abruption. Your baby might not grow as quickly as expected, and you might have low amniotic fluid or other complications. Possible causes include trauma or injury to the abdomen — from an auto accident or fall, for example — or rapid loss of the fluid that surrounds and cushions the baby in the uterus (amniotic fluid).

It’s typically implanted in the upper part of your uterus, and it normally detaches from the uterine wall after you deliver your baby. Placental abruption: Pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis and consequences. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only.

Treatments will also depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Oyelese Y, et al. All rights reserved. Sometimes a pregnant woman’s existing health conditions can contribute to problems, and other times new conditions arise because of body and hormonal…. In some cases, placental abruption develops slowly (chronic abruption), which can cause light, intermittent vaginal bleeding. All rights reserved. If you have placental abruption, the placenta separates from your uterus too soon, before your baby is ready to be born. They also may suggest other ways you can prevent it from happening again. Accessed Nov. 16, 2019. If you've had a placental abruption, and you're planning another pregnancy, talk to your health care provider before you conceive to see if there are ways to reduce the risk of another abruption. See our safe care and visitor guidelines, plus trusted coronavirus information. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. But drinking alcohol or using cocaine while you’re pregnant can increase your risk. Placental abruption can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients and cause heavy bleeding in the mother. The placenta can’t be reattached, so your treatment options depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy, severity of the abruption and status of mother and baby. They’ll monitor you closely. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. They’ll do a physical exam and run blood tests, and also may perform an ultrasound to see inside your uterus. For you, this could mean: If you have a near or complete abruption, you’ll need to have a C-section right away. What’s Causing My Pregnancy Chest Pain and How Can I Stop It? It’s typically implanted in the upper part of your uterus, and it …

Babies born to mothers who experience placental abruption are at higher risk for some pregnancy-related complications. These include: If placental abruption occurs after 37 weeks of pregnancy, a baby is less likely to experience health problems than babies born at earlier gestation. This is the surgical removal of the uterus. Obstetric haemorrhage. The main symptom of placental abruption is vaginal bleeding. If you have high blood pressure, work with your health care provider to monitor the condition. It’s attached to the wall of your uterus, and your baby is attached to that by their umbilical cord.

Smoking while pregnant puts both you and your fetus at risk. Looking out for your health and safety can help prevent placental abruption. A doctor diagnoses placental abruption by conducting a physical exam, and often by performing an ultrasound. However, if you’re at a higher risk of placental abruption, you can work to reduce your risk. They will try to collect as much information as possible to make the best decision for you and your baby. Fortunately, it’s not common. Top Treatment Tips, Ovulation Tool: Find Your Most Fertile Days.

Always wear your seatbelt when in a motor vehicle. Placental abruption often happens suddenly. Mild placental abruption is when blood loss has occurred, but the bleeding has slowed and you and your baby are stable. Your Guide to a Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care Routine, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, experiencing a traumatic injury, such as a car accident, fall, or physical abuse, having pregnancy complications, such as a uterine infection, umbilical cord problems, or high amounts of amniotic fluid, premature birth, or birth that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Other things that can play a role include: You can’t prevent placental abruption, but there are some things you can avoid, such as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs to reduce your odds. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus before birth. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only.

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When it happens, it’s usually sudden. Placental abruption: Management and long-term prognosis. Your baby isn’t growing as fast as they should. Accessed Nov. 16, 2019. For some same-sex couples, single parents by choice, couples…, Pelvic rocking while laboring and during delivery can distract from painful contractions, help baby move down the birth canal, and relieve minor back…. For example, don't smoke or use illegal drugs, such as cocaine. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta partially or completely separates from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery. Chest pain in pregnancy is quite common and not usually reason for concern. How Long Does Coronavirus Live On Surfaces? This content does not have an English version. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. We'll tell you what to avoid — and some good….

The amount of blood can vary. You might notice vaginal bleeding, but there might not be any. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). This includes always wearing your seatbelt, refraining from smoking, and keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level. In some cases, early delivery is needed. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts. Background: It is common to admit to hospital or start intensive ambulatory antenatal care of pregnant women with a previous placental abruption using the gestational age of the previous placental abruption as a starting point. This can decrease or block the baby's supply of oxygen and nutrients a…

Practicing yoga during pregnancy can help ease some of your aches and pains. The treatment for placental abruption depends upon the severity of the abruption. What is Placental Abruption? Placental abruption (abruptio placentae) is an uncommon yet serious complication of pregnancy.The placenta develops in the uterus during pregnancy. If you’re having bleeding or abdominal pain, you’ll need to see your doctor right away.

The following risk factors can increase the likelihood you may experience placental abruption: According to the March of Dimes, a woman who’s had a previous abruption has a 10 percent chance of having another one in a future pregnancy.