Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Placental abruption
Premature separation of a normally implanted placenta from the uterine wall before delivery.
Full Definition
A serious obstetric complication occurring in 0.4-1.5% of pregnancies, characterized by the partial or complete detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall before fetal delivery. This condition can result in maternal hemorrhage, fetal hypoxia, and requires immediate medical intervention. Risk factors include hypertension, trauma, cocaine use, and previous abruption history.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly confused with placenta previa; abruption involves separation, previa involves abnormal implantation location.
In Context
- "Emergency cesarean delivery was indicated due to severe placental abruption with fetal bradycardia." — Emergency department report
- "The patient presented with vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain consistent with placental abruption." — Admission note
Also known as
abruptio placentae
placental separation
Don't confuse with
placenta previa
vasa previa