What is placental abruption?

The placenta is what grows in the uterus when a woman is pregnant to feed the baby. If the placenta peels away from the inside walls of the uterus, it is called abruption.

If this happens, it can keep the baby from getting the food and oxygen it needs. It may also make the mom bleed a lot.

There are some risk factors that increase the risk of abruption:

  • High blood pressure.
  • A fall or other trauma to your stomach.
  • Smoking or drug use.
  • Blood clotting disorders.
  • Pregnancies with more than one baby.

If you have any of these symptoms, call a doctor right away:

  • Vaginal bleeding.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Back pain.
  • Uterine pain
  • Quick contractions one after another.

Source: womenshealth.gov