Placenta abruptio
Premature separation of placenta; Ablatio placentae; Abruptio placentae; Placental abruption
Placenta abruptio is the separation of the placenta (the organ that nourishes the fetus) from its attachment to the uterus wall before the baby is delivered.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Frequent uterine contractions
- Uterine contractions with no relaxation in between
- Vaginal bleeding
Tests may include:*
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Complete blood count
- Fetal monitoring
- Fibrinogen level
- Partial thromboplastin time
- Pelvic exam
- Prothrombin time
- Vaginal ultrasound
Nursing Intervention for Placenta Abruptio
- Monitor maternal vital signs and fetal heart rate
- Assess for excessive vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and increase in fundal height
- Bed rest, oxygen, IV fluids, and blood products as prescribed
- Monitor and report any uterine activity
- Prepare for the delivery of the fetus as quickly as possible
- Monitor for sings of disseminated intravascular coagulation in the postpartum period
- Administer Rh immune globulin if the mother is Rh-negative and has not been given the injection at 28 weeks of gestation.