sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Placental abruption: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Keep these appointments, but do not wait for the next visit if bleeding, pain, contractions, or reduced movement returns.

    Seek urgent medical care during any future pregnancy for vaginal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, frequent contractions, reduced fetal movement, or significant abdominal trauma.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    After an abruption, follow-up depends on whether the pregnancy is continuing or delivery has occurred.

    Follow-up may assess bleeding, contractions, blood pressure, fetal movement, amniotic fluid, and the baby's growth.

    Routine postpartum care should include discussion of physical recovery, contraception if desired, emotional health, and plans for future pregnancies.

The article also says

If the pregnancy continues, the obstetric team may schedule more frequent visits and fetal monitoring.

After delivery, clinicians may repeat blood counts or clotting tests and treat anemia if present.

Recovery instructions depend on blood loss, delivery method, and other complications.

A previous placental abruption raises the chance of abruption in another pregnancy, but recurrence is not certain.

Before or early in a future pregnancy, discuss the history with an obstetric clinician.

Care may include reviewing blood pressure, medicines, smoking or substance use, and other conditions that can be improved before conception.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Placental abruption. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.