Zusammenfassung

• Separation of the normally located placenta before delivery of the fetus. May be concealed or overt.
• Frequently presents as vaginal bleeding associated with abdominal pain and contractions in the second half of pregnancy.
• Associated with increased perinatal mortality and morbidity. Also a cause of significant maternal morbidity.
• Risk factors include smoking, trauma, hypertensive disorders, and cocaine use.
• Diagnosis is made clinically. Some ultrasound features may be helpful. Other tests are, for the most part, unreliable.
• Management and outcome depend on the gestational age, the degree of separation, and the maternal and fetal status.