Placental Abruption: An Obstetric Emergency

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: Placental abruption refers to partial or complete placental detachment prior to delivery of the foetus. Approximately one percent of all pregnant women experience placental abruption, of which most can be managed successfully. It is more commonly observed in women having undergone multiple pregnancies or in patients that have a history of significantly high blood pressure or excessive amniotic fluid.

Emirates Hospital- Jumeirah (EHJ) – an Emirates Healthcare company and an internationally recognised 100-bed beacon of progress in the region’s healthcare system, dealt with a similar case when a 35-weeks pregnant Russian national with a prior caesarean section was rushed to the hospital as soon as she started bleeding. On examination doctors found it to be a case of Placental Abruption. “As the patient was bleeding continuously with labour pains and previous caesarean section, she was rushed for an emergency caesarean section. She later gave birth to a healthy average weight baby,” said Dr Kanika Gupta, Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Emirates Hospital – Jumeirah.  

Placental abruption is a rare condition and affects one or two patients in a year, delivery is often considered the safest option. If the foetus is stable, normal delivery may be an option, but a caesarean delivery is recommended in case of foetus distress or severe bleeding. Placental abruption can also result in premature birth or significantly low weight during birth. Approximately 15 percent of the severe placental abruption result in the death of the foetus, said Dr Kanika Gupta.

In addition to placental abruption, increase in blood pressure during pregnancy, known as pre-eclampsia, is another life-threatening condition. The pregnancy-specific hypersensitive disorder is responsible for the death of nearly 76,000 mothers and 500,000 infants throughout the world. However, reports suggest that prenatal screening in combination with simple preventive treatments could reduce maternal deaths of pre-eclampsia from 50,000 annually to less than 9,000. “A vigilant check on the patient’s condition can ensure that high-risk pregnancy is well managed,” concluded Dr Kanika Gupta.

Dr Kanika emphasises that at Emirates Hospital – Jumeirah, 90 percent of the deliveries are conducted normal, especially if the patient is a first-time mother or has had a normal delivery in the past. It is recommended that women with unusual symptoms during a pregnancy should visit their health care provider to arrive at a correct diagnosis. Accurate medical examination can result in administering the appropriate treatment well in time ensuring a healthy mother and healthy baby.

About Emirates Hospital – Jumeirah:

An Emirates Healthcare Company, Emirates Hospital – Jumeirah is an internationally recognised 100-bed beacon of progress in the region’s healthcare system. It provides personalised, real-time healthcare solutions, and its core values are Simplicity, Accessibility, Agility, and Empathy.

Located on Jumeirah Beach Road alongside the Dubai Canal, Emirates Hospital – Jumeirah is home to some of the world’s leading medical professionals, and it delivers the highest quality of healthcare. 

Emirates Hospital – Jumeirah partners with regulators, institutions, insurers and manufacturers to develop and nurture new ideas and long-term strategies that create positive change in people’s homes and everyday lives. Emirates Hospital – Jumeirah is operated by NMC Health Plc; KBBO Group is the largest single shareholder of NMC.

Emirates Specialty Hospital in Dubai Healthcare City is an Emirates Healthcare Company. A 90-bed facility with superior technology and experienced, internationally-trained staff, Emirates Specialty Hospital delivers an unrivalled range of much-needed specialties.

Emirates Healthcare is a subsidiary of KBBO Group. A leading holding company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, KBBO Group invests in healthcare to safeguard the region’s communities, and to help deliver world-class medical outcomes powering an inclusive and improved quality of life.

*Source: AETOSWire