Placental abruption

Placental abruption refers to the complete or partial detachment of a normally implanted placenta from the uterine wall after 20 weeks of gestation or during labor, prior to the delivery of the fetus. It is one of the severe complications of late pregnancy. The main clinical manifestations include vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain, often accompanied by persistent uterine contractions, uterine tenderness upon palpation, and changes in fetal heart rate (mostly deceleration or absence). Due to its acute onset and rapid progression, delayed management can endanger the lives of both the mother and the fetus.