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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Placental abruption is an uncommon and serious complication of pregnancy.
The placenta is a structure that develops in the uterus during pregnancy to nourish the growing baby. If the placenta peels away from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery — either partially or completely — it's known as placental abruption (abruptio placentae). Placental abruption can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients and cause heavy bleeding in the mother.
Left untreated, placental abruption puts both mother and baby in jeopardy. Placental abruption is an emergency, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Cunningham FG, et al. Obstetrical hemorrhage. In: Cunningham FG, et al. Williams Obstetrics. 22nd ed. New York, N.Y.; McGraw Hill Medical: 2005. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=731138. Accessed Oct. 19, 2009.
- Abruptio placentae. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec18/ch263/ch263b.html. Accessed Oct. 13, 2009.
- Placental conditions. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/printableArticles/14332_1154.asp. Accessed Oct. 16, 2009.
- Ananth CV, et al. Clinical features and diagnosis of placental abruption. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 14, 2009.
- Oyelese Y, et al. Placental abruption. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2006;108:1005.
