Placental Abruption

Here is a brief overview of what happened medically.

Placenta Abruptio: The separation of the placenta from it's attachment to the uterus.

It occurs in about 1 out of 150 deliveries, but the severe form (which mine was),occurs in 1 in 800-1,600 deliveries.

The fetal mortality rate is 20%-40% and is also a significant contributor of maternal mortality.

There are different classes of severity.

• Class 0: asymptomatic. Diagnosis is made retrospectively by finding an organized blood clot or a depressed area on a delivered placenta.
• Class 1: mild and represents approximately 48% of all cases. Characteristics include the following:
  • No vaginal bleeding to mild vaginal bleeding
  • Slightly tender uterus
  • Normal maternal BP and heart rate
  • No coagulopathy
  • No fetal distress
• Class 2: moderate and represents approximately 27% of all cases. Characteristics include the following:
  • No vaginal bleeding to moderate vaginal bleeding
  • Moderate-to-severe uterine tenderness with possible tetanic contractions
  • Maternal tachycardia with orthostatic changes in BP and heart rate
  • Fetal distress
  • Hypofibrinogenemia (i.e., 50–250 mg/dL)
• Class 3: severe and represents approximately 24% of all cases. Characteristics include the following:
  • No vaginal bleeding to heavy vaginal bleeding
  • Very painful tetanic uterus
  • Maternal shock
  • Hypofibrinogenemia (i.e., <150 mg/dL)
  • Coagulopathy
  • Fetal death
  
  I had a class 3 separation.Excess blood loss may often times lead to shock and death in both the mother and baby. The mother may also need a hysterectomy. I did not have a hysterectomy or a c-section. In some ways, I am very lucky.
  
  Some causes are injury to belly,smoking during pregnancy, cocaine use, diabetes, high blood pressure, older mother, and history of placenta abruptio. None of which apply to me and my case. I was extra healthy during my pregnancy. I never lifted anything larger than a laundry basket. Adam even refused to let me use any cleaner of any kind.