What is placental abruption?

• A. The placenta prematurely detaches from the uterine wall
• B. The placenta covers the opening of the uterus
• C. The placenta detaches after birth
• D. The placenta implants in the lower uterine segment

Answer: (A)

Placental abruption happens when the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall before delivery, cutting off its blood flow to the fetus and often causing painful vaginal bleeding and uterine tenderness. This separation can lead to fetal hypoxia and maternal instability, making it an emergency situation that requires prompt assessment and intervention.

This is different from placenta previa, where the placenta implants near or over the cervix and can cause painless bleeding or bleeding late in pregnancy; the description of covering the opening of the uterus or implanting in the lower uterine segment fits placenta previa rather than abruption. It’s also not the normal postpartum event where the placenta naturally detaches after birth.