The fetal prognosis is worse than the maternal prognosis; approximately 12% of fetuses affected by placental abruption die. 77% of fetuses that die from placental abruption die before birth; the remainder die due to complications of preterm birth.Without any form of medical intervention, as often happens in many parts of the world, placental abruption has a high maternal mortality rate. Mother
A large loss of blood may require a blood transfusion. If the mothers blood loss cannot be controlled, an emergency hysterectomy may become necessary. The uterus may not contract properly after delivery so the mother may need medication to help her uterus contract. The mother may develop a blood clotting disorder, disseminated intravascular coagulation. A severe case of shock may affect other organs, such as the liver, kidney, and pituitary gland. Diffuse cortical necrosis in the kidney is a serious and often fatal complication. Placental abruption may cause bleeding through the uterine muscle and into the mothers abdominal cavity, a condition called Couvelaire uterus. Maternal death. Baby
The baby may be born at a low birthweight. Preterm delivery (prior to 37 weeks gestation). The baby may be deprived of oxygen and thus develop asphyxia. Placental abruption may also result in death of the baby, or stillbirth. The newborn infant may have learning issues at later development stages, often requiring professional pedagogical aid. Epidemiology
Placental abruption occurs in approximately 0.2–1% of all pregnancies.
Though different causes change when abruption is most likely to occur, the majority of placental abruptions occur before 37 weeks gestation, and 12–14% occur before 32 weeks gestation. == References ==