Exam 3: Placental Abruption and Placenta Previa

Question 1

Placental abruption

Answer 1

Early separation of a normally implanted placenta after the 20th week of gestation prior to birth, leads to hemorrhage

Question 2

Signs and symptoms of placental abruption

Answer 2

Abdominal pain
Sudden onset of bleeding
Can be concealed or visible
Dark red blood
Constant uterine tenderness upon palpation
Firm to rigid abdomen (board-like)
Fetal heart tones non-reassuring or absent

Question 3

Risk factors for placental abruption

Answer 3

Maternal age over 35
Poor nutrition
Multiple gestation
Polyhydramnios
Chronic hypertension
Recent abdominal trauma
Cigarattes
Severe trauma
Cocaine or methamphetamine use

Question 4

Placenta previa

Answer 4

Complete or partial covering of cervix by the placenta characterized by painless bright red bleeding

No vaginal exams!