What characterizes abruptio placenta?

Abruptio placenta, or placental abruption, is characterized specifically by the detachment of the placenta from the uterus before the baby is delivered. This condition can occur suddenly and can result in a range of complications, both for the mother and the fetus, including bleeding, fetal distress, and preterm birth.

The key aspect of this condition is the actual separation of the placental tissue from its normal implantation site on the uterine wall, which can lead to the detachment being partial or complete. This detachment interrupts the blood supply to the fetus and can cause maternal hemorrhage as well.

In contrast, excessive bleeding during labor might be a consequence of abruptio placenta but does not define it. Premature rupture of membranes refers to the breaking of the amniotic sac before labor begins, and placenta previa involves the placenta being positioned low in the uterus covering the cervix, both of which are separate complications. Thus, the defining characteristic of abruptio placenta is indeed the detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall.