Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSigns and SymptomsCauses and Risk FactorsDiagnosisTreatmentComplicationsSummary
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Signs and Symptoms
Causes and Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Treatment
Complications
Summary
Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus prematurely. Theplacentais an organ which provides blood flow and oxygen to the fetus. The condition is also called abruptio placenta.
When a placenta separates prematurely, a fetus loses its lifeline. Prematurity and birth-related asphyxia (lack of oxygen) may result in stillbirth. Researchers have noted an increase in infant mortality in babies who survive placental abruption, even beyond the perinatal period (which ends seven days after birth).
In addition, the complication can result in severe maternal hemorrhage. Placental abruption is a life-threatening medical emergency.
During placental abruption, the placenta may separate entirely or partially. Most often, placental abruption is a complication of the third trimester. But it can also occur earlier in the second half of pregnancy and during labor. Placental abruption occurs in 1% of pregnancies.
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Signs / Symptoms of Placental Abruption
When the placenta separates from the uterine wall, blood vessels connecting the placenta to theendometrium(uterine lining) bleed. How much bleeding or how many other symptoms occur depends on how much of the placenta has detached.
Placental abruption may be mild, moderate, or severe. With mild placental abruption, the placenta has only partially detached. There may not be very many symptoms, or symptoms may be slight.
Moderate to severe placental abruption involves a placenta that is significantly separated or has wholly detached. Severe cases may result in maternalshock, hemorrhage, and fetal death.
Signs of abruption are similar to other health conditions. They include:
When to Call Your Healthcare ProviderCall your healthcare provider immediately if you experience vaginal bleeding or unusual abdominal pain at any time during your pregnancy.
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience vaginal bleeding or unusual abdominal pain at any time during your pregnancy.
In an uncomplicated pregnancy, the placenta detaches from the uterus during the thirdstage of labor. With placental abruption, the placenta detaches prematurely. This may be either during pregnancy or during the first or second stage of labor.
The exact cause of placental abruption is unknown. However, when a placenta detaches, it does so because something has disrupted the network of blood vessels.
Some factors may raise a person’s risk for placental abruption. Many risk factors are unavoidable, but there are some things that you can do to reduce your risk. Risk factors include:
A definitive diagnosis can only be made after examination of the placenta following birth. A placenta that has abrupted will usually have an area of clotted blood.
Bleeding during the second half of pregnancy can have other causes, likeplacenta previa. Your healthcare provider needs to differentiate between potential causes to identify the proper course of treatment.
Placenta PreviaOnset may not be noticeableVaginal bleeding is visibleAnemiaand shock correlate with visible blood lossNo painUterus remains softPlacental AbruptionOnset can be abrupt and intenseMay or may not present with vaginal bleedingAnemia and shock may be disproportionate to visible blood lossIntense abdominal painVery hard uterus
Placenta PreviaOnset may not be noticeableVaginal bleeding is visibleAnemiaand shock correlate with visible blood lossNo painUterus remains soft
Onset may not be noticeable
Vaginal bleeding is visible
Anemiaand shock correlate with visible blood loss
No pain
Uterus remains soft
Placental AbruptionOnset can be abrupt and intenseMay or may not present with vaginal bleedingAnemia and shock may be disproportionate to visible blood lossIntense abdominal painVery hard uterus
Onset can be abrupt and intense
May or may not present with vaginal bleeding
Anemia and shock may be disproportionate to visible blood loss
Intense abdominal pain
Very hard uterus
It is not possible to re-attach a placenta that has separated from the uterus. Instead, your healthcare provider will identify the severity of the abruption and determine how best to manage your pregnancy or labor.
Mild
If your symptoms are mild and you and your fetus are exhibiting no signs of distress, your practitioner may suggest close monitoring. This type of management may be preferred if your pregnancy is less than 37 weeks.
Moderate or Severe
Each year in the United States, more than 1% of maternal deaths are linked to placental abruption.A 2015 study from the Netherlands found a recurrence rate for placental abruption of just under 6%.
Placental abruption is associated with high perinatal mortality and morbidity rates. Prematurity and birth-related asphyxia are the leading causes of these outcomes.
The perinatal fetal/infant mortality rate related to placental abruption is around 10%.The prognosis depends on the severity of the complication.
Complications that can result from placental abruption include:
Placental abruption is a pregnancy complication in which the placenta detaches from the uterus too soon. This can result in bleeding and lack of oxygen for the fetus, with risks for both the parent and fetus.
A Word From Verywell
Placental abruption can be a frightening diagnosis. If you are concerned that you may be experiencing possible symptoms of placental abruption, don’t wait until your next prenatal appointment to mention it. Call your healthcare provider’s office right away, as early intervention can be lifesaving.
Placental abruption is rare, but the recurrence rate is significant. So, if you have had placental abruption in a past pregnancy, be sure your practitioner is aware.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Riihimäki O, Metsäranta M, Paavonen J, et al.Placental abruption and child mortality.Pediatrics. 2018;142(2):e20173915. doi:10.1542/peds.2017-3915March of Dimes.Placental abruption.Tikkanen M.Placental abruption: epidemiology, risk factors and consequences.Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2011;90(2):140-149. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0412.2010.01030.xCedars Sinai.Placental abruption.MedlinePlus.Placenta abruptio.Cleveland Clinic.Placental abruption: diagnosis, tests, management and treatment.Schmidt P, Skelly CL, Raines DA.Placental abruption. StatPearls.Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Bleeding in pregnancy/placenta previa/placental abruption.Downes KL, Grantz KL, Shenassa ED.Maternal, labor, delivery, and perinatal outcomes associated with placental abruption: a systematic review.Am J Perinatol. 2017;34(10):935-957. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1599149Ruiter L, et al.Incidence and recurrence rate of placental abruption: a longitudinal linked national cohort study in the Netherlands.Am J Obstet Gynecol2015;213:573.e1-8. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2015.06.019
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Riihimäki O, Metsäranta M, Paavonen J, et al.Placental abruption and child mortality.Pediatrics. 2018;142(2):e20173915. doi:10.1542/peds.2017-3915March of Dimes.Placental abruption.Tikkanen M.Placental abruption: epidemiology, risk factors and consequences.Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2011;90(2):140-149. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0412.2010.01030.xCedars Sinai.Placental abruption.MedlinePlus.Placenta abruptio.Cleveland Clinic.Placental abruption: diagnosis, tests, management and treatment.Schmidt P, Skelly CL, Raines DA.Placental abruption. StatPearls.Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Bleeding in pregnancy/placenta previa/placental abruption.Downes KL, Grantz KL, Shenassa ED.Maternal, labor, delivery, and perinatal outcomes associated with placental abruption: a systematic review.Am J Perinatol. 2017;34(10):935-957. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1599149Ruiter L, et al.Incidence and recurrence rate of placental abruption: a longitudinal linked national cohort study in the Netherlands.Am J Obstet Gynecol2015;213:573.e1-8. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2015.06.019
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Riihimäki O, Metsäranta M, Paavonen J, et al.Placental abruption and child mortality.Pediatrics. 2018;142(2):e20173915. doi:10.1542/peds.2017-3915March of Dimes.Placental abruption.Tikkanen M.Placental abruption: epidemiology, risk factors and consequences.Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2011;90(2):140-149. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0412.2010.01030.xCedars Sinai.Placental abruption.MedlinePlus.Placenta abruptio.Cleveland Clinic.Placental abruption: diagnosis, tests, management and treatment.Schmidt P, Skelly CL, Raines DA.Placental abruption. StatPearls.Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Bleeding in pregnancy/placenta previa/placental abruption.Downes KL, Grantz KL, Shenassa ED.Maternal, labor, delivery, and perinatal outcomes associated with placental abruption: a systematic review.Am J Perinatol. 2017;34(10):935-957. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1599149Ruiter L, et al.Incidence and recurrence rate of placental abruption: a longitudinal linked national cohort study in the Netherlands.Am J Obstet Gynecol2015;213:573.e1-8. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2015.06.019
Riihimäki O, Metsäranta M, Paavonen J, et al.Placental abruption and child mortality.Pediatrics. 2018;142(2):e20173915. doi:10.1542/peds.2017-3915
March of Dimes.Placental abruption.
Tikkanen M.Placental abruption: epidemiology, risk factors and consequences.Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2011;90(2):140-149. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0412.2010.01030.x
Cedars Sinai.Placental abruption.
MedlinePlus.Placenta abruptio.
Cleveland Clinic.Placental abruption: diagnosis, tests, management and treatment.
Schmidt P, Skelly CL, Raines DA.Placental abruption. StatPearls.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Bleeding in pregnancy/placenta previa/placental abruption.
Downes KL, Grantz KL, Shenassa ED.Maternal, labor, delivery, and perinatal outcomes associated with placental abruption: a systematic review.Am J Perinatol. 2017;34(10):935-957. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1599149
Ruiter L, et al.Incidence and recurrence rate of placental abruption: a longitudinal linked national cohort study in the Netherlands.Am J Obstet Gynecol2015;213:573.e1-8. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2015.06.019
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