Placental Abruption Causes: What to Know

The placenta normally attaches to the uterine wall and exchanges oxygen and nutrients with the baby. Abruption occurs when blood collects or separation develops between the placenta and that wall. The process may be linked to a sudden injury, high blood pressure, problems affecting the blood vessels, or changes in the membranes around the pregnancy. Sometimes several factors are present; sometimes clinicians cannot identify a reason. Having a risk factor does not mean abruption will occur, and it is not necessarily caused by something you did.

Tell your maternity team about high blood pressure, previous placental abruption, bleeding, abdominal trauma, smoking or substance exposure, and any medicines or medical conditions. Keep scheduled antenatal checks so blood pressure and symptoms can be reviewed. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice. If you have a fall or blow to the abdomen, contact the maternity unit even if bleeding is absent. Clinicians may recommend monitoring tailored to your pregnancy and history; there is no home test that can confirm or exclude abruption.

Go to emergency maternity care for vaginal bleeding, sudden or persistent abdominal or back pain, a hard or tender uterus, regular contractions before expected labour, dizziness, faintness, shortness of breath, or reduced fetal movement. Abruption can involve concealed bleeding, so do not use the amount of visible blood to judge urgency. If you feel weak or collapse, call emergency services and do not drive yourself.

Ask which factors apply to your pregnancy, how blood pressure and fetal growth will be followed, what to do after abdominal trauma, and which symptoms require immediate review. If abruption is suspected, ask how the baby will be monitored and how the team will decide between continued observation and birth.