Jun 06,2023

How We Saved a Mother and Her Baby from Placental Abruption 

Duc T. Nguyen

(Photo: Pexels Donated Website)

Placental abruption is a rare but life-threatening condition that can occur during pregnancy. It happens when the placenta, which supplies oxygen and nutrients to the baby, detaches from the uterine wall before delivery. This can cause severe bleeding, shock and fetal distress.

Placental abruption affects about 0.6% - 1% of pregnancies and is the cause of death in 10 - 15% of cases of fetal death in the last 3 months. It can happen at any time during pregnancy, but it is more common in the third trimester.

Hematomas are collections of blood that can form
in the placenta or in the surrounding tissues.

The cause of placental abruption is not fully understood, but some risk factors include:

- High blood pressure or pre-eclampsia.

- Sudden excessive tension of the uterus.

- Sudden changes in uterine volume such as cases of amniotic fluid aspiration in multiple pregnancies or twin pregnancies after the first child is born.

- Short umbilical cord.

- Trauma or injury to the abdomen.

- Smoking, cocaine use or alcohol abuse.

Some symptoms of placental abruption include:

- Vaginal bleeding.

- Abdominal pain or cramps.

- Back pain.

- Uterine contractions.

- Fetal movement decrease or stop.

Placental abruption is an obstetric emergency that requires immediate medical attention. If not treated promptly, it can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the baby, such as:

- Anemia or shock due to blood loss.

- Coagulation disorders or Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC).

- Uterine rupture or infection.

- Hysterectomy or removal of the uterus.

- Fetal distress or death due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.

The treatment for placental abruption depends on the severity of the condition, the gestational age and the health status of the mother and the baby. The main goals of the treatment are to stop the bleeding, stabilize the vital signs and deliver the baby safely.

Some treatment options for placental abruption include:

- Fluid replacement and blood transfusion to restore blood volume and prevent shock.

- Medication to control blood pressure, prevent seizures and promote blood clotting.

- Fetal monitoring to check the heart rate and oxygen level of the baby.

- Emergency cesarean delivery to deliver the baby as soon as possible if there are signs of fetal distress or severe bleeding.

A Success Story of a Patient with Placental Abruption

A cesarean section was performed quickly to protect the lives of the mother and baby
(Photo: DNC Studio)

Nam Can Tho University Medical Center received patient Ta Thi Xuan M (1989, Can Tho), who was 36 weeks pregnant with her first child. She had abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding after traveling more than 150km by motorbike. She was rushed to the Medical Center for examination.

After clinical examination, ultrasound scan and monitoring, she was diagnosed with moderate placental abruption and underwent emergency surgery to deliver her baby. The newborn girl weighed 2600 grams at birth and had a low Apgar score.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Nguyen Thi Hue - Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department and Dr. Tran Thanh Dong – Obstetrician in the Department, Nam Can Tho University Medical Center. They used a cesarean section and other specialized equipment to stop the bleeding, deliver the baby, and repair the uterus.

The baby was delivered by caesarean section (Photo: DNC Studio)

The surgery was successful, and both the mother and the child recovered well. The mother was placed in Obstetrics Department for special monitoring and care. The newborn was supported with respiration and could breathe normally after recovery.

The mother expressed her gratitude to the doctors and staff of Nam Can Tho University Medical Center for saving her life and her daughter's life. She said that she was very scared and worried when she had the bleeding and pain, but she felt relieved and happy when she saw her newborn daughter alive and healthy.

Hematoma removal after caesarean section (Photo: DNC Studio)

Contact Us for More Information or Appointment

Nam Can Tho University Medical Center is one of the reputable healthcare providers in the Mekong Delta region that provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for various diseases. We have a team of experienced doctors and specialists as well as modern equipment and facilities that meet international standards.

We are committed to providing high-quality care and service to our patients with respect and compassion. We are always ready to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. We also offer affordable prices and convenient payment methods.

If you have any questions or concerns about your obstetric and gynecological health, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at 0907-365-115 or leave a comment below our Facebook Page.

Thank you for choosing Nam Can Tho University Medical Center as your trusted partner in health care.

Nam Can Tho University Medical Center

Amiable - Devoted and Improving Well-being

Your Health, Our Priority

---------------------------
Address: No. 168, parallel road of National Highway 1A, Hong Loan Residential Area, Hung Thanh Ward, Cai Rang District, Can Tho City

Emergency Hotline: 02923.686.115 - 02923.779.115

Customer Service Hotline: 0907.365.115

Admin Phone: 02923.886.168

Website: www.benhviendhnct.com.vn