Whether you are pregnant with your first, second or fifth baby, you should be able to enjoy the nine months of your pregnancy with joy and anticipation. Like other expectant parents in Rhode Island, it is also important for you to be aware of some of the complications that may develop during a pregnancy in order to keep you and your baby safe.
One problem that can occur is called a placental abruption according to WebMD. This refers to a situation in which the placenta becomes detached either in part or totally from the wall of the uterus. The connection here is the pathway via which your baby receives oxygen and nutrition so any abruption may compromise the delivery of those essential things.
If an abruption occurs, your doctor should know the warning signs and take appropriate action. Some symptoms include reduced fetal movement, preterm labor, uterine pain and vaginal bleeding. If your blood pressure is high, if you use tobacco during your pregnancy or if you have had a placental abruption with another pregnancy, you may be at a higher risk for developing an abruption in your current pregnancy.
Placental abruptions may occur any time after the halfway mark of a pregnancy although they are more often experienced in the last 12 weeks of a pregnancy. The treatment for an abruption can vary based upon the severity and how far along you are in your pregnancy. This information is not intended to provide legal advice but general information about placental abruptions and what doctors should know and do to protect unborn babies in Rhode Island.