Placental Abruption
Was Placental Abruption The Cause Of Your Baby’s Birth Injury?
Placental abruption is a serious pregnancy complication. The condition occurs when the placenta either completely, or partially detaches from the wall of the uterus before the baby is delivered. When placental abruption occurs, there is a threat of massive bleeding by mother. This in turn can lead to a reduced level of blood and oxygen flowing to the baby. For many mothers, placental abruption is a sudden onset, and if left untreated, can cause injury to mother and baby. Although placental abruption can occur early in the pregnancy, it usually occurs during labor and delivery, as this is a time of extreme stress.
When placental abruption is not present, the placenta is delivered following the birth of the child.
The placenta is important for a baby in many ways. Some of the things the placenta is responsible for in a developing baby are as follows:
Oxygen
Removal Of Waste
Helps Prevent Infection
Hormones Which Support Pregnancy
Helps To Develop The Umbilical Cord
If doctors suspect placental abruption, close attention must be paid to mother and baby. A partial abruption can quickly lead to a complete separation, thus triggering the need to deliver the baby ASAP, usually through an emergency C-Section.
How Can A Woman Know If She Might Be Dealing With Placental Abruption?
Some of the signs and symptoms of placental abruption are:
Sudden Abdominal Pain
Vaginal Tenderness
Back Pain
Heavy Bleeding
Low Blood Pressure
Longer Than Normal Uterine Contractions
Fetal Distress

Fetal distress can be a result of placental abruption because of the mother’s loss of blood. When the baby’s blood supply is compromised, there is always a concern of fetal hypoxia. During delivery, the electronic fetal heart monitor can alert doctors that the baby is no longer tolerating the vaginal delivery. Because of the threat of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, the doctor must be ready to perform an emergency C-Section, to help prevent injury to the baby, and mother.
What Are The Risk Factors Associated With Placental Abruption?
Below are some of the things with can increase the risk of placental abruption:
Increased Age For Mom Especially After 40
A Previous Placental Abruption
Preeclampsia
Chorioamnionitis: This is a bacterial infection which inflames the fetal membranes. Chorioamnionitis can also lead to prolonged labor.
Low Birthweight
Cigarette Smoking
Cocaine Use
Multiple Babies During Pregnancy
Did Your Placenta Separate During Labor & Now Your Baby Has A Brain Injury?
The lack of blood and oxygen poses danger to your child. This is one of the main ways how a separated placenta can sometimes lead to a brain injury in your baby. If your baby has suffered a brain injury, and you suspect this is due to doctors not correctly managing your placental abruption, know that there are individuals who you can speak with regarding the challenges that your child will have in the future. The attorneys here at Boston Law Group, LLC handle birth injury cases in all the counties throughout Maryland, namely:
Boston Law Group, LLC represents victims of birth injury and medical malpractice throughout Maryland. We can help victims in:
Prince George’s County
Montgomery County
Baltimore City
Baltimore County
Anne Arundel County
Howard County
Charles County
St. Mary’s County
Allegany County
Calvert County
Caroline County
Carroll County
Cecil County
Dorchester County
Frederick County
Garrett County
Harford County
Kent County
Somerset County
Talbot County
Washington County
Wicomico County
Worcester County