Placenta abruption

Question 1

what is it?

Answer 1

describes separation of a normally sited placenta from the uterine wall, resulting in maternal haemorrhage into the intervening space

PAINFUL

Question 2

causes

Answer 2

proteinuric hypertension
cocaine use
multiparity
maternal trauma
increasing maternal age

Question 3

clinical features

Answer 3

shock out of keeping with visible loss
pain constant
tender, tense uterus
normal lie and presentation
fetal heart: absent/distressed
coagulation problems
beware pre-eclampsia, DIC, anuria