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Placental abruption in early pregnancy
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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Placental abruption in early pregnancy is a very alarming symptom that can pose a serious threat to the further development of pregnancy. Placental abruption in early pregnancy can be mild, moderate or severe.
With minor placental abruption, there may be no pronounced symptoms; such a deviation can be detected during a routine examination and ultrasound examination.
With moderate placental abruption, pain occurs in the abdominal area, the uterus becomes tense, and blood is released from the genital tract.
A critical condition that occurs during the development of a severe form of placental abruption may be accompanied, in addition to the above symptoms, by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of consciousness, tachycardia, the fetus experiences a lack of oxygen, the heartbeat is disturbed, the pregnant woman experiences pronounced hypertonicity and asymmetry of the uterus, bleeding can be both external and internal.
If any symptoms occur during pregnancy, you should immediately consult a doctor. In the event of a pathological condition developing, this will allow you to take the necessary measures in time and prevent negative consequences.
[ Causes of placental abruption in early pregnancy
The causes of placental abruption in early pregnancy may be related to the following factors:
- Plurality of genera;
- Patient's age;
- Alcohol abuse, smoking;
- Unbalanced and improper nutrition;
- An inflammatory process in the fetal membranes as a result of infection;
- Arterial hypertension;
- Various manifestations of gestosis;
- Allergic reactions to medications;
- Pathological phenomena in the uterus or placenta;
- Systemic diseases (disorders of the endocrine system, renal, cardiovascular pathologies, etc.);
- Receiving an injury in the abdominal area;
- Previous period of infertility;
- Autoimmune conditions.
Symptoms of Placental Abruption in Early Pregnancy
Symptoms of placental abruption in early pregnancy may include the following:
- Bloody discharge. Often, with placental abruption, bleeding opens from the genitals, but cases of internal bleeding are possible. In such a situation, emergency medical intervention is aimed at saving the woman's life; saving the fetus, as a rule, is already impossible.
- Pain in the lower abdomen occurs in most cases with placental abruption. The pain may be of different nature and may be dull, aching, or may radiate to the femoral part or groin area. When internal bleeding occurs, the pain syndrome is very strong. Increased uterine tone may also be a sign of placental abruption in early pregnancy.
- Development of oxygen deficiency in the fetus. If the placenta is more than half detached, it is not possible to maintain the pregnancy.
- In some cases, the process of placental abruption may initially be asymptomatic and only detected during an ultrasound examination.
Associated symptoms of placental abruption may include nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, increased anxiety, and dizziness.
Diagnosis of placental abruption in early pregnancy
Diagnosis of placental abruption in early pregnancy is carried out using ultrasound examination, during which a retroplacental hematoma with suppression or destruction of subplacental tissues is clearly visible.
However, at the initial stage of placental abruption, such a formation may not be present, and in such cases, diagnosis of placental abruption is carried out by excluding other diseases according to the following parameters:
- Opening of internal bleeding or bloody discharge from the genital tract;
- Hypertonicity of the uterus;
- Embryo developmental disorders (during examination, the gynecologist determines the fetal heart rate).
When performing an ultrasound examination in the case of placental abruption, blood clots may be detected behind it.
When conducting a diagnosis, the doctor examines the vagina and cervix to determine whether the bleeding is caused by damage to the cervix, the presence of a tumor, infection, etc.
During the examination, it is also determined whether the cervix has opened. In such cases, damage to blood vessels may occur, which may cause bleeding.
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Treatment of placental abruption in early pregnancy
Treatment of placental abruption in early pregnancy with minor blood loss consists of prescribing bed rest to the pregnant woman, medications that help relax the uterus, antispasmodics (papaverine, no-shpa), medications that help stop bleeding (vicasol), and antianemic medications (iron-containing medications).
During the treatment of placental abruption, the pregnant woman's blood clotting level is monitored.
If only a small part of the placenta separates and timely and competent treatment is provided, further development of the pregnancy can be maintained.
Prevention of placental abruption in early pregnancy
There are currently no specific measures to prevent the development of placental abruption in early pregnancy, as the causes that provoke this condition have not been precisely established. There are only assumptions regarding a number of factors that may predispose to the development of conditions such as placental abruption.
General prevention of pathologies during pregnancy consists of regular examination by a gynecologist. Pregnant women should take all necessary tests in a timely manner, lead a healthy lifestyle, eat properly and in a balanced manner, avoid stress, have a good rest, get enough sleep, spend more time outdoors, maintain normal blood pressure, and take precautions to avoid various types of injuries. When taking any medications, the appropriateness of their use must be agreed upon with a doctor.
Timely treatment of any systemic diseases, if any, is also regarded as prevention of complications during pregnancy and as prevention of placental abruption in early pregnancy in particular.
Prognosis of placental abruption in early pregnancy
Placental abruption in early pregnancy is a common occurrence, and with timely qualified treatment, the negative consequences of this condition can be prevented.
When conducting diagnostics, a retroplacental hematoma may be visible on ultrasound examination results in the case of placental abruption. If such a phenomenon is not observed, but placental abruption still occurs, the diagnosis can be made by excluding other pathologies based on the signs characteristic of such a phenomenon as placental abruption (vaginal or internal bleeding, abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, etc.).
Provided that such pathology is detected in a timely manner and the necessary measures are taken, the prognosis for placental abruption in the early stages of pregnancy is favorable and the pathological process can be stopped, ensuring the normal further course of pregnancy.
It should be noted that even a minor placental abruption requires hospitalization of the patient and immediate treatment. With timely assistance and the absence of complications, the pregnancy will develop normally.
In no case should you ignore the manifestation of any negative symptoms that occur during pregnancy. Placental abruption is a very serious deviation from the norm, which, in the absence of timely assistance from a qualified doctor, can lead to irreversible consequences.