The word "abruptio placenta" refers to the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, and is pronounced /əˈbrʌpʃioʊ pləˈsɛntə/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "ab", is pronounced like "uhb", with a short "uh" sound followed by a "b". The following syllables, "rup" and "ti", the "p" and "t" are pronounced with a puff of air, indicating they are unaspirated stops. The final syllables, "o" and "placenta", have long vowels, with an "oh" and "ay" sound respectively.
Abuptio placenta, also known as placental abruption, is a medical condition that occurs during pregnancy when the placenta prematurely separates from the wall of the uterus. The placenta is an organ that forms during pregnancy to provide oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus. Placental abruption is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to significant complications for both the mother and the baby.
The separation of the placenta from the uterine wall can be partial or complete, and it typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. The exact cause of abruptio placenta is not always clear, but it is often associated with conditions such as high blood pressure, trauma to the abdomen, smoking, drug use, or a history of placental abruption in previous pregnancies.
The most common symptom of abruptio placenta is vaginal bleeding, although in some cases, there may be no external signs of bleeding. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, contractions, back pain, and a decrease in fetal movement. Depending on the severity of the abruption and the gestational age of the fetus, abruptio placenta can result in complications such as fetal distress, preterm birth, growth restriction, or stillbirth.
Immediate medical attention is crucial in cases of placental abruption to prevent further harm to the mother and the baby. Treatment options may include bed rest, medication to control bleeding and prevent preterm labor, blood transfusions if necessary, and potentially delivery of the baby by cesarean section. The prognosis for both mother and baby depends on the degree of placental separation, the gestational age, and the presence of any associated complications.
The term "abruptio placenta" is derived from Latin.
- "Abruptio" comes from the Latin verb "abruptus", which means "to break off" or "to detach". It is formed by combining the prefix "ab-", indicating a separation or movement away, and the verb "rumpere" meaning "to break".
- "Placenta" is also derived from Latin. It is the feminine form of "placentus", which means "flat cake" or "flat loaf". This Latin word was used to describe the afterbirth or placenta due to its appearance.
Therefore, "abruptio placenta" literally means the sudden detachment or separation of the placenta from the uterus before childbirth.