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Review
. 2025 Mar 1;68(1):98-104.
doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000903. Epub 2024 Nov 18.

Placental Abruption: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Emily Schneider  1   2 , Wendy L Kinzler  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Placental Abruption: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Emily Schneider et al. Clin Obstet Gynecol. .

Abstract

Placental abruption is a complete or partial separation of the placenta from the uterine decidua. Clinical manifestations include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, uterine contractions, and abnormalities in the fetal heart rate tracing. Placental abruption occurs in 0.4% to 1.0% of all pregnancies. However, the pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. We present a review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of placental abruption, exploring overlapping processes which contribute to premature placental separation. Classic findings and limitations of ultrasound in evaluating placental abruption are explained. Finally, we discuss the management of placental abruption based on gestational age, fetal status, and maternal hemodynamic stability.

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References

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