A pregnant woman will likely expect that she will have an event-free labor and delivery. They probably trust the medical team to take good care of them when they have to go in. While most women get exactly that, there are times when things don’t exactly work out that way.
There are some major complications that can occur when a woman is having a baby. One of these is a placental abruption. This occurs when the placenta detaches partially or fully from the uterus before the baby is born. This cuts the supply of nutrients and oxygen for the baby and can lead to heavy bleeding for the woman.
Symptoms of a placental abruption
Symptoms of placental abruption can vary depending on the severity of the detachment. Common signs include sudden vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, back pain and contractions. In some cases, the bleeding may be minimal or even absent, making diagnosis more challenging.
Risk factors and causes
While the exact cause of placental abruption isn’t always clear, several risk factors increase the likelihood of its occurrence. These include high blood pressure, abdominal trauma, smoking, drug use, previous placental abruption and being over 40.
Complications of a placental abruption
Placental abruption can lead to serious complications, including premature birth, low birth weight and stillbirth. For the mother, risks include severe blood loss, shock and the need for an emergency C-section. In extreme cases, a complete detachment of the placenta can be life-threatening.
If the placental abruption isn’t spotted by the medical team, the mother and baby can suffer serious harm, up to and including death. A medical malpractice claim for this birth injury can help to hold the negligent medical professional accountable for their lack of or inappropriate action.
