Abruptio Placenta

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Abruptio placenta is a condition that can occur in your uterus (womb) before your baby is born. With abruptio placenta, all or part of your placenta pulls away from the wall of your uterus. The placenta forms during pregnancy and brings oxygen and nutrition from the mother to the fetus (unborn baby). The placenta also removes waste products from the fetus. Normally, your placenta stays attached to the wall of your uterus until your baby is born.
  
  
• When your placenta pulls away during pregnancy, you may have vaginal bleeding or bleeding inside your uterus. Abruption of your placenta can be painful and may be life-threatening for both you and your baby. You may need rest or medicines to decrease your symptoms. You may need an ultrasound, blood tests, and fetal monitoring. You may also need to have your baby earlier than expected. Treatment may help to resolve your bleeding and pain. Treatment may decrease your risk for having your baby earlier than he is ready to be born. Treatment may also save yours and your baby's life.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Tocolytics: Tocolytics are given to stop contractions if your baby is not ready to be born. Contractions are when the muscles of your uterus tighten and loosen.
  
  
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria. Antibiotics may be needed before giving birth if you have an infection in your uterus or placenta. You may also need antibiotics after your baby has been born.
  
  
• Pain medicine: Medicines may be given to decrease or take away your pain. You may feel pain if your uterus is contracting. You may also have pain when your placenta pulls away from the wall of your uterus. If your baby has been born, pain medicine may help decrease any pain you feel from your delivery.
  
  
• Blood thinners: Blood thinners may be given to help prevent clots from forming in your blood.

Follow-up visits: Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. If you have not given birth yet, you may need to return for repeat ultrasounds. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Activity: If you have not given birth yet, you may need to rest more often. You may also need to be on bed rest until your baby is born. If you have given birth, your caregiver may also want you to limit your activity for a period of time. Talk to your caregiver about what activities are OK for you.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have blood spotting from your vagina.
  
  
• You are having contractions.
  
  
• Your heart is beating faster then what is normal for you.
  
  
• You have a fever (high body temperature).
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your pregnancy, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your unborn baby is moving less than usual, or not at all.
  
  
• You have a large amount of vaginal bleeding.
  
  
• You are leaking fluid from your vagina, or a large amount of fluid comes out of your vagina.
  
  
• You are having severe (very bad) abdominal pain or contractions.
  
  
• You have new and sudden chest pain or trouble breathing.
  
  
• You are urinating less than what is normal for you, or not at all.
  
  
• You fainted or feel too weak to stand up.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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