Abruption in early pregnancy

by Peg Plumbo

My colleague, who is 13 weeks pregnant, was diagnosed with ‘placenta abruptus’, a blood clot behind the placenta. The doctors have restricted her to bed rest and told her it will correct itself or she will miscarry. Is this the same as ‘placenta previa’? Can you explain more about her condition?

answer

You are correct that a placental abruption is a blood clot behind the placenta and that it might be reabsorbed or cause a miscarriage. If she is having bleeding from an abruption this early, it doesn't look very good. The placenta has only just begun to function at this point and the passing of nutrients is just beginning. This bodes well for the baby but not for the attachment of the placenta. A clot must be reabsorbed and could leave behind scar tissue. Usually the placenta accommodates this by growing larger in other areas.

The reason behind such a premature separation is of concern as well. The doctors will look at her history, checking such things as hypertension, drug use, trauma, domestic violence, smoking, uterine infection, IUD use, sexually transmitted disease and uterine myomas. Sometimes, these fibroids can scar the lining of the uterus and cause faulty placental attachment.

We don't really know if bed rest will help this situation. She will be given ultrasounds to watch the clot and observe foetal growth. If the bleeding stops and the foetus is growing properly I would expect a normal pregnancy. If, on the other hand, an infection starts, the clot enlarges or there seems to be inadequate growth, this would probably mean she will lose the baby.

I wish your friend well. This is such a difficult time when she can't really do anything, but watch and wait.

ivillage uk

Abruption in early pregnancy