Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
placental abruption
Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery.
Full Definition
A serious obstetric complication involving the premature detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall before fetal delivery. Abruption can be complete or partial and may present with vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and fetal compromise. Risk factors include hypertension, trauma, smoking, and previous abruption. The condition can lead to maternal hemorrhage, fetal hypoxia, and emergency delivery. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, as ultrasound may not detect all cases, particularly when bleeding is concealed behind the placenta.
Usage
Usage note: Avoid the outdated term 'accidental hemorrhage' in contemporary medical writing.
In Context
- "Emergency cesarean delivery was performed due to suspected placental abruption." — Operative report
- "The patient presented with acute abdominal pain consistent with abruption." — Emergency department note
Also known as
abruptio placentae
accidental hemorrhage
Contrasted with
placenta previa
Don't confuse with
placenta previa
placental accreta