Etymed
placental abruption
Definition
Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery
Clinical context
A 32-year-old pregnant woman presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding at 34 weeks gestation. On examination, her uterus is tender and rigid with signs of fetal distress. The patient has a history of hypertension and cigarette smoking. What is the most likely diagnosis? What are the potential maternal and fetal complications of this condition?
Mnemonic
PLACENTA ABRUPT - Painless, Labile, Acute, Tense, Noises, Unstable, Rapid, Threatening, Bleeding, Trauma, Abnormal, Urgent, Severe, Risk, Tachycardia, Uterine, Emergency
These morphemes also unlock…
- placent/a — flat cake (referring to the organ)
- -al — pertaining to
- ab- — away from
- rupt/o — to break; to burst
- -ion — process; condition