Placental abruption is a serious pregnancy complication where the placenta detaches from the uterus prematurely. It can occur due to trauma, high blood pressure, or substance abuse. This condition is potentially life-threatening for both mother and baby, causing bleeding, pain, and potential fetal distress or death.
The placenta is an organ that develops during pregnancy. It connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall, providing oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby. Apart from nourishment, the placenta also cleanses the baby’s blood from waste and produces hormones crucial for sustaining pregnancy. This vital structure also acts as a barrier, protecting the fetus from harmful substances.
By failing to properly monitor risk factors, misdiagnosing conditions, or delaying treatment, negligent healthcare providers effectively increase the likelihood of placental disruption. Families who suffer damages due to a doctor’s negligence may be compensated through a medical malpractice claim.
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What is Placental Abruption?
Placental abruption is a relatively rare condition but requires careful and prompt management. This condition occurs when maternal vessels tear away from the placenta, which causes bleeding between the uterine lining (endometrium) and the outer side of the placenta.
This condition is associated with an increased likelihood of cerebral palsy and other long-term developmental disorders. Early diagnosis and medical intervention for any developmental disorders are crucial when looking to provide the best trajectory for affected children.
What are the Long-Term Effects of Placental Abruption?
Placental abruption poses long-term impairments for both mother and child. For families, it may not only be significant financial stress (from medical bills); but also significant psychological and emotional damages.
Here are some long term effects that can be caused by this condition:
In Children
- Cerebral palsy – As mentioned in previous studies, there's an increased risk of cerebral palsy in children born after placental abruption.
- Developmental disorders – There's also a higher risk of developmental disorders, which may affect cognitive, motor, or social skills.
- Neurological issues – While overall neurological hospitalizations may not be significantly higher, specific neurological problems could occur due to oxygen deprivation.
- Preterm birth complications – If the abruption leads to premature delivery, the child may face long-term side effects associated with prematurity.
- Hypoxic-ischemic injury – Severe cases can lead to brain damage due to lack of oxygen, potentially causing lifelong disabilities.
In Mothers
- Psychological impact – The trauma of the experience may lead to anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Future pregnancy risks – Women who've had a placental abruption have a higher risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies.
- Fertility issues – In severe cases requiring hysterectomy, future pregnancies would not be possible.
- Chronic health conditions – Depending on the amount of blood loss, there could be long-term effects on organs like the kidneys.
- Increased cardiovascular risk – Some studies suggest an association between placental abruption and future cardiovascular disease risk.
All medical expenses (past and future) are considered in a medical malpractice claim. In birth injury cases, compensation ensures that an injured child is provided with all the necessary support for their growth and development.
Apart from medical expenses, other economic and non-economic losses are also factored in. Lost income, emotional trauma, and decreased quality of life are some of the more common considerations. For actual compensation figures, please refer to our previous wins.
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What are the Symptoms of Placental Abruption?
Symptoms of this condition include:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Uterine tenderness
- Contractions
- Decreased fetal movement
- Fetal Distress
Naturally, more severe cases should present more alarming symptoms. Healthcare providers must properly respond to these symptoms to ensure the safety of both mother and child. Prescribed interventions for this condition vary depending on the severity of the case.
Placental abruption is further classified into four classes:
| Class 0 Asymptomatic | - Discovery of a blood clot on the maternal side of a delivered placenta - Diagnosis is made retrospectively |
| Class 1 Mild | - No sign of vaginal bleeding or a small amount of vaginal bleeding - Slight uterine tenderness - Maternal blood pressure and heart rate WNL - No signs of fetal distress |
| Class 2 Moderate | - No sign of vaginal bleeding to a moderate amount of vaginal bleeding - Significant uterine tenderness with contractions - Changes in blood pressure - Evidence of fetal distress |
| Class 3 Severe | - No sign of vaginal bleeding to heavy vaginal bleeding - Tetanic uterus/ board-like consistency on palpation - Maternal shock - Fetal death |
What Causes Placental Abruption?
Several risk factors have been strongly associated with placental abruption. These factors include pre-existing medical conditions, as well as lifestyle factors. Causes for this condition include:
- Smoking
- Drug abuse (specifically cocaine)
- Maternal age over 35
- Hypertension
- Polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid)
- Preeclampsia
- Short umbilical cord
- Physical trauma from accidents (collisions, falls, or abdominal blows)
Healthcare providers have the responsibility to foster good health in pregnant mothers. In line with this, they must effectively educate mothers and address all concerns they might have.
Management of the Condition
Treatments for placental abruption vary based on the severity of the condition, gestational age, and the health of the mother and baby. Mothers suspected of placental abruption must be rushed to the hospital immediately. In the medical facility IV fluids, oxygen, and continuous monitoring of both mother and fetus should be immediately provided.
Here's an overview of treatments based on severity:
For Mild Abruption (Class 1)
- Conservative management if pregnancy is less than 37 weeks
- Hospital admission for close monitoring
- IV access and blood work preparation
For Moderate or Severe Abruption (Class 2 or 3)
- Delivery is necessary if the fetus is viable
- Vaginal birth may occur rapidly due to hypertonic contractions
- Emergency cesarean if there are signs of fetal distress
In cases where birth is possible, vaginal birth is preferred when possible due to lower maternal risks. In such emergencies, medical facilities must deploy a sufficient medical team to carry out the delivery. Postpartum, mothers should be monitored for hemorrhage and clotting issues.
Speak to a Birth Injury Lawyer Today
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances. We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
