What should you know about concealed abruptio placenta?

The placenta normally attaches to the inside of the womb and supplies the baby with oxygen and nutrients. In an abruption, it separates partly or completely before birth. With a concealed abruption, blood collects between the placenta and the womb wall instead of flowing out through the vagina. The amount of visible bleeding therefore does not show how serious the separation is.

Possible signs include constant abdominal or back pain, a tender or firm womb, contractions close together, dizziness, faintness, or a change in the baby's movements. The baby may show distress because placental blood flow has been reduced, while the pregnant person may develop significant internal blood loss.

Treat suspected concealed abruption as an emergency and contact maternity services immediately. Hospital clinicians may check your pulse, blood pressure, pain, abdomen, blood tests, and the baby's heart rate. Ultrasound can help assess the placenta and baby, but a normal scan does not always exclude an abruption.

Management depends on the stage of pregnancy, the extent of separation, your condition, and the baby's wellbeing. The team may monitor closely, prepare blood products, or recommend urgent birth. A caesarean section may be needed when the baby requires rapid delivery or labour is not safe.

Call emergency services or your maternity unit now for sudden persistent abdominal or back pain, a hard or tender abdomen, contractions after an injury, dizziness, fainting, weakness, or reduced or absent baby movements, even if there is no vaginal bleeding. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or severely unwell.

Ask what symptoms should trigger an immediate call, how the baby's heart rate will be monitored, what tests may be needed, and which findings would make urgent birth safer than continued observation.