What should you know about severe placental abruption?

The placenta normally attaches to the womb and supplies the baby with oxygen and nutrients. With abruption, part or all of it separates too early. Warning signs can include vaginal bleeding, sudden abdominal or back pain, a tender or firm womb, frequent contractions, or reduced fetal movement. Bleeding may be hidden behind the placenta, so the absence of visible blood does not make severe pain safe to ignore.

The maternity team may monitor the baby, assess contractions and bleeding, and check the pregnant person’s condition. The plan depends on gestational age, the amount of separation, bleeding, and whether the baby or parent is becoming unwell.

Call emergency services or your maternity unit immediately if abruption is suspected. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint, weak, or severely unwell. Lie on your side while waiting, keep your phone nearby, and tell the team about bleeding, pain, contractions, fetal movement, and any injury or high blood pressure history. Hospital care may include fluids, blood products, close monitoring, and urgent birth. A Caesarean Section may be needed when rapid delivery is required.

Seek emergency help now for bleeding in pregnancy with pain, a hard or tender abdomen, repeated contractions, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or reduced fetal movement. Even mild bleeding after an injury or new persistent back pain should be reported urgently. Do not wait for a routine appointment or for bleeding to become heavy.

How are you checking the baby and my blood loss? What signs would make immediate birth necessary? If birth is advised, why is a Caesarean Section the safest route for us?