Abruptio Placentae vs. Placenta PreviaAbruptio Placentae vs. Placenta PreviaThe placenta is the first connection between mother and fetus that will be instrumental in providing life and forming a lifelong connection. The placenta is the lifeblood of the fetus: the site of nutrient absorption, gas exchange, and waste elimination. When that connection presents complications, the results can be devastating. In this article we will compare two very serious complications that can occur in utero: Abruptio Placentae and Placenta Previa. We will review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, risk factors, signs and symptoms, fetal and maternal complications, and prehospital and inpatient treatment for both. Of the two, placenta previa is the least harmful to the mother and fetus. In a typical pregnancy, the placenta adheres to the upper portion of the uterus and has no negative interaction with the cervical opening (os). With placenta previa we find an abnormal implantation in the lower part of the uterus and four degrees of previa are applicable. 1) Complete previa: the placenta completely covers the internal cervical orifice; 2) Partial previa: the placenta partially covers the internal cervical orifice; 3) Marginal previa: the edge of the placenta is located at the edge of the internal cervical orifice; 4) Low placenta: The placenta is implanted in the lower uterine segment but does not reach the internal organ of the cervix. There is one main sign associated with placenta previa and that is painless bright red vaginal bleeding. Bleeding generally begins after the 20th week of pregnancy and is most common in the third trimester. Bleeding can range from very light to extremely heavy and may or may not return once it stops. Rarely, contrac...... middle of paper...... Retrieved May 6, 2013, from Medscape Reference: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/252810-overviewGale Group. (2013, May). Maternal complications from Placenta Previa. Retrieved May 6, 2013, from Galenet: http://140.234.20.9:8080/EPSessionID=838ee1ba12d4ed675b34eeada9e17bc/EPHost=galenet.galegroup.com/EPPath/servlet/HWRC/hits?docNum=A246374229&index3=KE&index2=KE& index1=FT&tcit=0_1_0_0_0_1&locID =lac73470&rlt=6&text3=&text2=&origSearch=false&text1=maternal+Gaufberg, SV (2011, May 19). Emerging management of Abruptio Placentae. Retrieved May 6, 2013, from Medscape Reference: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/795514-overview#a1Mount Sinai Hospital. (2013). Placenta previa. Retrieved May 5, 2013, from Mount Sinai Hospital Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Health Complex: http://www.mountsinai.on.ca/care/placenta-clinic/complications/placentaprevia