What should you know about sudden placental abruption?

The placenta supplies oxygen and nutrients to the baby and normally remains attached to the womb until delivery. With an abruption, part or all of it separates early. This can cause bleeding, abdominal or back pain, a tender or tight womb, and contractions. Bleeding may be visible or concealed behind the placenta, so the absence of visible blood does not rule it out.

A baby may show changes in movement or heart rate, while the pregnant person may feel suddenly unwell, weak, dizzy, or faint. The condition can develop quickly and requires assessment by maternity professionals.

Call emergency services or your maternity unit immediately if abruption is suspected. Do not drive yourself. Lie on your side if you can do so safely, keep your phone nearby, and note when pain, bleeding, fluid loss, or reduced movements began. Do not eat or drink unless the emergency team advises it, because urgent delivery may need to be considered.

At hospital, the team may monitor your vital signs, bleeding, contractions, and the baby's heart rate. Blood tests and imaging can support the assessment, but urgent decisions are based on the whole clinical picture. Delivery may be needed, including a Caesarean Section in some situations.

Seek emergency care now for vaginal bleeding with pain, a hard or tender abdomen, regular contractions, fluid loss, reduced or absent fetal movement, dizziness, faintness, breathlessness, or sudden weakness. Tell the team how many weeks pregnant you are, whether you have had an injury, and whether you use blood-thinning medicine.

How will you assess the placenta and the baby's wellbeing? What signs should I watch for after discharge? If delivery is needed, what factors determine the timing and route? How will you monitor me and the baby during recovery?