What should you know about revealed abruptio placenta?

The placenta supplies oxygen and nutrients to the baby during pregnancy. With placental abruption, part or all of it pulls away from the womb before birth. In a revealed abruption, blood passes through the cervix and vagina, although the amount seen outside may not show the full extent of the bleeding. Painful tightening, abdominal or back pain, a tender womb, and changes in the baby's movements can also occur.

Treat vaginal bleeding in pregnancy as urgent. Contact your maternity unit or emergency service immediately, describe the colour and amount of blood, and say whether you have pain, contractions, dizziness or reduced baby movements. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint. A maternity team may check your blood pressure, pulse, blood tests, the baby's heart rate and an ultrasound. Treatment depends on the bleeding, pregnancy stage and condition of you and the baby; birth may need to happen promptly, sometimes by Caesarean Section.

Seek emergency help immediately for heavy or increasing bleeding, severe or constant abdominal pain, faintness, weakness, breathlessness, a fast heartbeat, regular contractions, or less movement from the baby. Do not wait for bleeding to stop or for pain to become severe. Hidden bleeding can occur when blood remains behind the placenta, so a small amount seen externally does not make the situation safe.

Ask what the monitoring shows, whether the placenta appears separated, how your blood tests will be followed, what warning signs should prompt another call, and how the team is deciding between observation and birth. Ask who to contact outside clinic hours and what support is available for you and your baby.