What are the signs of a potential placental abruption?

The signs of placental abruption primarily include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and uterine tenderness. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine wall prematurely, which can lead to maternal and fetal complications.

Vaginal bleeding is significant because it indicates that the placenta is dislodging, potentially leading to hemorrhage. Abdominal pain can occur as the body reacts to the separation, and this pain may be severe, often described as a sudden onset of sharp or stabbing pain. Uterine tenderness is another important sign; upon examination, the uterus may feel firm or rigid due to the blood accumulating between the placenta and uterine wall.

In contrast, while uterine contractions and lower back pain can occur in many pregnancy-related conditions, they are not specific indicators of placental abruption. High fever and nausea are typically associated with infection rather than placental issues, and lack of fetal movement and swelling may suggest other complications that are not directly linked to placental abruption. Overall, the presence of vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and uterine tenderness is indicative of potential placental abruption and requires immediate medical evaluation.