In our previous blog – Fibroids in Pregnancy What You Should Know? , we have mentioned how fibroid can lead to placental abruption during pregnancy. And we have received quite a few questions on the topic of placental abruption. To make it easy for everyone we have gathered all the answers from the best gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri, read on to know them.
What is Placental Abruption?
A fertilised egg divides into two components – an embryo and a placenta. While the embryo grows the baby, the placenta is the support system that helps its growth. By attaching itself to the inside wall of the uterus, the placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby and removes waste products from the baby’s blood using the umbilical cord.
“To put it simply – the placenta is a temporary organ that absorbs nutrients and oxygen from the mother and transports them to the baby using the umbilical cord”, says the best obstetrician in Mumbai, Dr Neelima Mantri
In rare cases, the placenta may peel away partially or completely from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery leading to placental abruption. This disconnection can deprive the baby of essential nutrients and oxygen causing heavy vaginal bleeding and ultimately leading to early delivery.
What causes Placental Abruption?
The cause of Placental Abruption is not certain. It mostly commonly occurs in cases of trauma or injury to the abdomen form fall or accidents. Sudden loss of fluid that surrounds the baby also may result in Placental Abruption.
When does Placental Abruption occur?
“Placental Abruption is an uncommon condition that occurs in 1% of pregnant women in India. It can happen to anyone after 20 weeks of pregnancy but it is most probable to occur in the third trimester”, says a female gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri.
Is Placental Abruption harmful to the baby?
Placental Abruption is a serious condition which can be life threatening to both the baby and the mother. It is known to cause low birth weight, premature birth, growth problems, injury to the brain, and stillbirth of the baby. As for the mother, it can lead to blood loss, blood clotting problems, Haemorrhage, and even kidney failure.
In short, Placental Abruption is a serious medical condition that needs immediate treatment as soon as symptoms show up.
Symptoms of Placenta Abruption:
Placental Abruption is usually sudden but there are a few symptoms that can act as signs of this condition:
- On-off vaginal bleeding
- Low amniotic fluid
- Developmental problems of baby
- Heart rate problems of baby
- Pain in the back or belly
- Pain or tenderness due to quickly repeated uterus contractions.
How is Placental Abruption treated?
A separated placenta cannot be repaired or reconnected. Keeping this in mind, treatment for Placenta Abruption is performed based on the severity of the abruption, blood loss, severity of abruption, and the signs of foetus distress.
If the Placental Abruption is mild and it is too soon for the baby to be born, the mother is closely monitored until 34 weeks of pregnancy with the help of medications. In case the abruption is severe the health of the foetus is at risk immediate delivery is recommended. If a mild abruption is identified when the foetus is near the full term, the mother is closely monitored for vaginal delivery. In case of severe abruption, an emergency caesarean section is recommended.
Got more questions about Placental Abruption, you can directly write to us here. In case you live in and around Mumbai you can directly book an appointment with Dr Neelima Mantri here: https://www.drneelimamantri.com/