Symptoms of ABRUPTIO PLACENTAE

Small separations of the placenta from the uterus result in vaginal bleeding, and mild pelvic pain with the fetus remaining healthy. Large separations result in heavier bleeding, and severe pain. The abdomen becomes hard, distended and tender. The mother may experience shock and anemia due to blood loss This leads to pallor, weakness, rapid heart rate and shortness of breath. The fetus will be in distress and the heartbeat inaudible. Coagulation disorders may develop from the release of certain elements of the placenta into the mother's circulation. This interferes with blood clotting and may result in nosebleeds, blood in the urine, oozing from venipuncture sites, bleeding into the skin, and round red spots on the skin.