Placenta Solution: Symptoms And Causes

Placental abruption is a serious condition that occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before birth.

The placenta is responsible for giving the baby oxygen and nutrients through the umbilical cord. If it loosens significantly, it can pose a serious risk to the baby’s life.

Only 5% of women experience this. However, many of those who do experience only the effects of a partial separation, which is where a small portion of the placenta detaches from the uterine wall.

Learn more about it in this article.

Placenta solution during pregnancy

First, it is important to explain what the placenta is and what its functions are. The placenta is also known as a “bag” that sticks to the uterus. In addition to the previously mentioned functions, it also produces a group of hormones that support pregnancy, such as progesterone, estrogen and HCG.

The placenta attaches to the uterus through several blood vessels. When it loosens, bleeding occurs. Along with bleeding, pain also occurs, which is due to rupture of the mentioned vessels.

However, not all placenta solutions have the same degree of separation. In obstetrics, there are three different classification levels.

Classification of placenta solution

There are three different levels that classify the solution of the placenta:

Class 1 or mild solution

Symptoms in class 1 of placenta solution are: Mild to non-existent vaginal bleeding and no labor pains at all.

This degree of placental abruption does not pose a real danger to the fetus, but doctors recommend that you get treatment and rest.

Class 2 or moderate solution

When a pregnant woman experiences a placenta solution in class 2, the symptoms intensify, with more heavy bleeding and labor pains. The symptoms also begin to affect the baby’s health by changing its heart rate. If this occurs between weeks 24 and 34 of pregnancy, the woman should be admitted to the hospital.

Class 3 or severe placenta solution

Class 3 is known as total placenta solution, which is why the mother must undergo emergency caesarean section immediately. 

Due to blood loss, it is likely that the mother will need to undergo a blood transfusion. In addition, the doctor will determine if it is necessary to perform a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).

Risk factors for placenta solution

Placenta solution is not a very common pathology, nor is the cause very clear. The solution of the placenta may be due to trauma, but other risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Multiple pregnancies
• Placenta solution in previous pregnancies 
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy at the age of 40
• Infection of the uterus
• Presence of more amniotic fluid than average
• Cocaine abuse
• Too high blood pressure

Consequences for the mother’s body after dissolution of the placenta

The effects on the mother’s body are problems with coagulation and weakening due to blood loss, which will lead to blood transfusions and kidney or heart failure. In severe cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is necessary.

Consequences for the fetus

The consequences for the fetus are lack of oxygen, increased heart rate, premature birth and impaired growth due to lack of nutrients.

Finally, we must mention that in most cases, this condition can occur randomly. But you can reduce the risk by staying healthy throughout your pregnancy and by going to all the examinations at your doctor’s and at the hospital.