Abruptio Placentae

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

Risks

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• To reduce bleeding, bed rest is very important.
• • Get out of bed only to use the bathroom and to bathe or shower. Do not cook, do other household chores, or use stairs.
  • Do not lift anything heavy---including your children.
• Bed rest can be boring and stressful. Reading, writing, crafts, TV, music, or visiting with friends and family will help pass the time. Remember that resting is important for your own safety and the health of the baby.
• Do not have sex until your doctor says it is OK.
• Eat healthy foods from all the 5 food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, meat and fish. A healthy diet is especially important in this situation, both to keep up your own strength and give the baby adequate nutrition.
• Take any medicine your doctor prescribes exactly as directed. If you feel it is not helping, tell the doctor, but do not stop taking it on your own.

Call Your Doctor If...

• You are having contractions.
• Your baby is moving less than usual.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• You have vaginal bleeding.
• You have bad abdominal pain.
• You feel faint or are too weak to stand up.

IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL...

What to Expect While You're There

• Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm.
• Pulse Oximeter: You may be hooked up to a pulse oximeter (ox-IM-uh-ter). This device is placed on your ear, finger, or toe. It measures the oxygen in your blood.
• Blood Tests: You may need to give blood samples for various tests. The blood can be taken from a vein in your hand or from the bend in your elbow.
• IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to it.
• Activity: You will need to stay in bed to help stop the bleeding and rest your uterus. Until the bleeding stops, you may have to use a bedpan or bedside commode instead of getting up to use the bathroom. The doctor will tell you when it's OK to get out of bed.
• Blood Transfusion: If you have lost a lot of blood or have a case of anemia (lack of red blood cells), you may need a transfusion. Although you may be worried about catching AIDS or hepatitis from a blood transfusion, the chance of this actually happening is about 1 in a million. Usually the risks from blood loss are far greater than your chance of getting either of these diseases.
• Abdominal Ultrasound: The doctor will probably take a look at your uterus with this painless device.
• Fetal Heart Monitoring: A loose fitting belt with a small metal disc may be placed around your abdomen to monitor the baby. The disc sends signals to a TV-like screen that shows a tracing of the baby's heartbeat.
• Pelvic Exam: This is also called an "internal" or "vag" exam. The doctor begins by gently putting a warmed speculum into your vagina. This tool opens the vagina so your doctor can see your cervix (the exit from your uterus). With gloved hands, your doctor will check the size and shape of your uterus and ovaries. Another woman usually stays in the room during the exam. If one isn't present, you should feel free to ask for one.
• Vaginal Bleeding: This could be a sign that more of the placenta is breaking away from the uterus. Call your nurse immediately.
• Contractions: If your abdomen begins feeling tight, then loose, you're having contractions, and could be going into labor. Tell your doctor immediately. Also let the doctor know if your abdomen always feels tight.
• Delivery: If the detached placenta is only partially blocking the birth canal, you may be able to have a vaginal delivery. But you'll need a cesarean section (C-section) if the placenta is totally blocking the birth canal. A C-section will also be necessary if the baby is in danger.
• Medicines:
• Antibiotics: These medicines help you fight bacterial infection. They are given by IV, as a shot, or by mouth.
• Stool Softeners: You may be given stool softeners to prevent constipation. They will make bowel movements easier.
• Tocolytics (to-ko-LIH-tiks): This medicine will stop contractions if it's too soon for delivery. It can be given by IV, as a shot, or by mouth.
• Steroids: This medication may be given to help the baby's lungs. It also reduces inflammation (redness and swelling).
• Stress: This is a highly stressful situation. Talking about it will help ease the tension. You might also want to try such methods as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, meditation, or biofeedback. Ask your nurses for directions.