Placenta abruptio

Alternative names:

ablatio placentae; abruptio placentae; accidental hemorrhage; premature separation of placenta

Symptoms:

• vaginal bleeding
• abdominal pain
• back pain

Signs and tests:

Physical examination reveals uterine tenderness and/or increased uterine tone. Hemorrhage or heavy bleeding in pregnancy may be visible or concealed.

Tests include:

• a CBC, may note decreased hematocrit or hemoglobin and platelets
• abnormal prothrombin time
• abnormal partial thromboplastin time
• abnormal fibrinogen level
• an abdominal ultrasound (may be done)