placenta abruption

[reanna87]

I began bleeding a week and a half ago the bleeding stopped within 24 hours of starting.  We lost a baby 6 months before i got pregnant this time. I thought that I was losing this baby got very depressed and then when the bleeding stopped I got very excited. Well within the past 3 days I began bleeding again this time it started with a small clot so i was sure that it was happening I knew i was losing the baby. I went to the ER and this is when I was informed I had blood behind my placenta of course not knowing what this meant I began to resarch on here. After reading and reading everything seemed 50/50 one good story one bad story I decided to contact my friend who is an RN and she informed me I was having placena abruption! Can anybody tell me what this means and what are my chances of having a healthy baby?? ANY HELP AT ALL =(

[Afoxy24]

I had an abruption at 31weeks. I woke up in the morning with mild period like cramps. Assumed it was just braxton hicks contractions. Around lunch time went to doctors due to cramping -no bleeding and she checked and said I wasn't dilated and that they were probably braxton hicks and to have a warm bath and relax. About 2 hrs later I had a warm bath and when I got out of the tub I had a very bloody show. Scared and confused rush to l&d. Nurses hooked me up to monitors and I was having non-stop severe contractions- they looked at me strange and said are you feeling those as if the machine was lying. I was like yes I'm having really bad cramps it felt like my uterus was literally tearing apart (i didnt know the difference between cramps and contractions it is my first pregnancy). Doctor came and checked and I was already 6cm dilated and he said your having a baby tonight- they thought it was just preterm labour. Scared and shocked and worried to death for the baby as I was only 31 weeks. I was moved to a delievery room where I had a nurse stay with me the whole time as my bp was really high and to monitor baby as he was going to be a preemie. Doctor came in another hour later and checked how dilated I was again and saw way too much blood for his liking order an immediate ultrasound and it showed abruption. They rushed me in for emerg c section my son came out screaming weighing a whooping 4lbs!, After c section the doctor was able to confirm that it was indeed a severe placenta abruption- i was bleeding internally as well. He said we were both extremely lucky to be alive. I am so thankful that the doctor didnt let me go through with a vaginal delievery as planned cause the baby might have been too distressed and I would have died due to the internal bleeding. Thankfully after 7weeks in NICU for my son he was able to come home. Hes now 3 months old an weighs 9lbs. I am so grateful that we are both here he is my little miracle. If you have any cramping or bleeding go to your doctor right away!!!!!!!

[momwithhope]

I went to the hopsital a few days ago for light spotting, and found out I have a slight 2cm abruption. I was told to stay off my feet and no lifting, cleaning, or driving. I am worried that I will either have this baby too early (mind you, I am only 23w5d), or will not be able to keep him safe and he will pass while still inside. I have 2 other children and neither one did I have this complication. I have read many happy ending stories and about the same of not so happy ending. Is there anything I can gather from this forum to make me more at ease?

[RowansMommy]

i had a partial placenta abruption at around 7 months with my son and im currently trying for another baby. does anyone know if you are considered high risk?

[waitingwithhope]

I have had two pregnancies with partial placental abruption and both I carried to term, although one was small in size. If you have a complete abruption, your baby would not make it and you'd be at risk too, so please be careful if they really think this is that (get a second opinion for sure- blood behind the placenta does not necessarily mean a placental abruption). A complete tear from the wall is a very serious situation so if your doc confirms that you are at risk, they may want to give you steroid shots to mature the lungs (they did that with me) and they may want you to reduce your activity. What helped for me was strict bedrest (both in the hospital and back at home again) and the tears partly healed themselves.

[AnnieBrooke]

If you did not hear the term "placental abruption" from the doctor who read your ultrasound, I would first devote my efforts to being sure that you really have placental abruption.  Calling a friend (whether or not she is an RN) and repeating what you heard when stressed and worried in the ER is not a reliable way to get diagnosed.

Here is info on placental abruption.  For the record, my niece had it and carried to term.

www . mayoclinic . com / health / placental - abruption / ds 00623

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