|
|
CareNotes System - Abruptio Placenta (General Information)
Abruptio Placenta
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it?
- The placenta joins you to your baby. It is attached to the inside wall of your uterus (womb). It is also called the "afterbirth." It usually comes out right after your baby is born. The placenta is the filter that brings food and oxygen to your baby. It also takes away waste and carbon dioxide (di-OX-ide). Carbon dioxide is what we breathe out.
- Abruptio (uh-BRUP-see-o) placenta (pluh-SEN-tuh) is also called placental abruption. It is when the placenta breaks away from the wall of the uterus (womb). The placenta may break all the way or just part of the way. If the placenta breaks part of the way, it may break away in the center, or along an edge. If the placenta breaks away in the center and all the edges remain in contact with the wall of your uterus, you may not know you are bleeding. This is called internal bleeding. If the placenta breaks along an edge, you may see vaginal bleeding. This is called an external bleeding. This can be a very serious problem to you and your baby. The baby may be cut off from his/her oxygen (air) and food supply and could die. You could lose a lot of blood.
Causes: It is not known what causes abruptio placenta. Possible causes may be trauma, such as a car accident or a fall.
Signs and Symptoms: The signs of abruptio placenta may be different in each woman. You may have vaginal bleeding, abdominal (belly pain), or back pain. You may have contractions (kun-TRAK-shuns) of your uterus. This is when your abdomen tightens and then relaxes when you are in labor. Or your uterus may feel tight all the time.
Care: You may need a test called an ultrasound. Caregivers may hook you up to a monitor to check your baby. Medicine may be needed to stop contractions if you are not ready to deliver. It is possible that you may have to stay in the hospital for several weeks. Your baby may have to be born early if the bleeding cannot be stopped. You may need a cesarean section.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
back
|
