| Abruptio placentae refers to the premature separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus. This leads to significant maternal hemorrhage. The presentation of abruptio placentae is characterized by the onset of painful vaginal bleeding in the third trimester, with abdominal pain, back pain, tenderness to palpation in the pelvic and abdominal region, an increase in uterine tone and hypotension, if the hemorrhage is severe. Although ultrasound is used to diagnose placental abruption, it is not reliable and the diagnosis is primarily clinical. Ultrasound may reveal placental separation from the uterus. | | | | |