|
 |
Placental Abruption? |
What is placental abruption?
Placental abruption is defined as the premature separation of the placenta prior to delivery of the fetus. The placenta is perhaps the most vital of all organs, and its main function, among others, is to provide oxygen, blood, and nutrients from the mother to the ensuing fetus.
What are the risk factors for placental abruption?
African American
Cigarette smoking
Cocaine and drug use
Grand multiparity (repeated number of pregnancies)
High blood pressure/hypertensive disorders
Maternal age 35 years or older
Prior placental abruption
Trauma, accident
How often does this occur?
Placental abruption complicates approximately 1 out of 100 singleton pregnancies, and about 1 in 65-70 twin pregnancies.
Can placental abruption cause preterm birth? Yes.
Source: Cande V. Ananth, PhD, MPH
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences
UMDNJ - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, NJ
|
| |
