Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you have:

• Sudden, severe belly pain.
• Heavy blood loss.
• Any symptoms of shock (from heavy blood loss). Symptoms of shock include lightheadedness, weakness, confusion, restlessness, and shallow, rapid breathing.

During pregnancy, pay attention to symptoms or injuries that can be related to the placenta separating from the uterine wall (placenta abruptio). Call your health professional immediately if you are pregnant and you experience:

• Light or moderate vaginal bleeding.
• Sudden, but moderate, belly pain. The uterus may feel hard or rigid.
• A blow to the abdomen, as from a fall or a physical attack.
• A motor vehicle accident.
• Signs of preterm labor, including:
  • Regular contractions.
  • Pain in the abdomen or back. This pain can be sharp or aching.

Prevention

Although most cases of placenta abruptio cannot be directly prevented, you can avoid or treat factors that are known to greatly increase your risk of placental abruption.

• Avoid cigarette smoking during pregnancy.
• Avoid cocaine and methamphetamine use during pregnancy.
• Keep a regular schedule of prenatal checks throughout your pregnancy.
• If you have high blood pressure, carefully follow your health professional's treatment recommendations.
• Take prenatal vitamins with folate [400 mcg (0.4 mg)], since low folate has a possible link to placental problems and abruption.^{6, 5}

Even during a healthy pregnancy, placenta abruptio is a possible complication. But you can optimize your fetus's and your ability to handle a medical complication by making healthy lifestyle choices and having regular prenatal checks throughout your pregnancy. For more information, see the topic Pregnancy.

Coping with loss

Should your baby die as a result of placenta abruptio, allow yourself permission and time to grieve your loss. Your partner, children, and other family members may also need time to grieve.

Contacting a support group, reading about the experiences of other women, and talking to your doctor, friends, a counselor, or a member of the clergy may help you and your family deal with your loss. For more information, see the topic Grief and Grieving.

If you have plans to become pregnant after having had placenta abruptio, talk to your health professional ahead of time about maximizing your chances of a healthy pregnancy in the future.