Pregnancy can be a beautiful journey, but it comes with its own challenges as well. One such challenge is placental abruption - a pregnancy complication that occurs when the placenta separates from the womb before delivery.
Placental abruption is one of those conditions that we never really hear about until someone close to us experiences it. Then suddenly, everyone seems to be talking about it! But what does this condition entail? Most importantly, if you are someone who has been diagnosed with placental abruption or wants to know more about it for any other reason, you must be wondering - is placental abruption painful?
Well folks, settle down and join me on an informative yet funny ride where we uncover everything there is to know regarding whether or not your forthcoming childbirth will resemble Alien vs Predator!
What Exactly Is Placental Abruption?
First things first - let's understand what exactly we're dealing with here. The placenta provides nutrients and oxygen to the growing baby during pregnancy. It attaches itself firmly onto the inner lining of your uterus (or womb) via blood vessels.
However, in some cases these blood vessels may tear away from either the mother's body or become damaged due to various reasons like trauma, high blood pressure or smoking; thus causing bleeding and partial detachment of the organ resulting in (insert dramatic music here) placental abruption.
The severity of damage ranges varyingly between mild (less than 100mls), moderate (up to 500 mls) and severe (insert emergency section)
But what makes this particular school bus leave behind so much destruction?!
Great question Bob! Let me break it down for ya:
Causes
There are several risk factors associated with this devastating condition:(notice how I made something as dramatic sound quite boring):
- High blood pressure or preeclampsia
- Injury to the abdomen
- Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, or using certain drugs like cocaine and other recreational drugs (we don't support this behaviour)
- Carrying more than one fetus (twins or twins times infinity)
- A history of placental abruption
Symptoms
But aside from risk factors, how does it present itself? Here are a few common symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding - most commonly painless
- Abdominal pain, backache which can be severe (spoiler alert: not just your normal PMS cramp!).
- Uterine contractions less than 37 weeks gestation.
- Aching in pubic area (Not just some regular muscle soreness folks!).
However dear reader(s), let's get to the real question here:
Is Placental Abruption Painful?
The answer isn't as simple as yes or no (way to go mr obvious!!!); There is a great variation reported in levels of discomfort felt by patients ranging from mild (again!)cramping and vaginal spotting all the way down right painful contractions with heavy blood flow.
On many occasions where women claim they didn’t have much pain, when checked medically however doctors find there was indeed fetal distress inside them making us wonder if those 20 years old should be placed on hold till we figure out our own bodies better..
So maybe try asking someone who has actually undergone this harrowing experience...just maybe you'll get an insider scoop that might help mommies-to-be prepare themselves physically AND mentally for what may lie ahead!
What Does The Science Say?
We’re going to take matters into our hands and break this parrot needs crackers syndrome down!!
While overall statistics vary when it comes onto intensity of pain due peculiar nature towards experiences at individual level; According to a research conducted- most women with placental abruption confirmed it is indeed exceedingly painful!
The study shows 86.1% of participants categorized the pain level as severe, while only remarkable proportion rested at moderate kicking in around 12.5%. Love to know what happened to that one percent.. and before you ask..no we have no clue if they were under alien attack during the study.
So yep folks, those cramps are real! But don't despair yet our brave mothers! Ladies amazing powers like completely loveable "oxytocin'-oh how cool does that sound!!! -are now waiting for their moment to unleash will help shove you through till delivery time!!
How Is It Treated?
Don’t panic just yet...there's always something called 'treatment' available right people!? Well yes there is some “damage control” procedures which include:
Treatment options
- Bed Rest along (does work magic when accompanied by actual REST)
- Pain relief medication
- Intravenous fluids (hence more trips down memory lane).
- Blood transfusion – replacing blood loss. ...and let’s not forget,
Emergency plans
Sometimes emergencies arise ladies and might need surgical interventions known medically as C-sections performed on an emergency basis due to compromised fetal oxygen supply.
But unfortunately sometimes even with all measures taken; either mommies or neonates may be lost within battle so best thing would actually do everything possible like check regular blood pressure etc ahead of time itself keeping in minds ensuring healthy conditions from get go can often steer you clear of worst case scenarios like this ever arising altogether!!
Conclusion
At the end of this informative journey we find ourselves again asking what makes me think I am qualified enough tot stumble out pregnancy information?...
Although historically being celibate seeming qualification for gynecology , my honest thoughts here suggest anything but expert advice coming across!
In fact – everyone is more expert to their body and life experiences than any sources or researcher out there! Yet we recognize how stressful an event going through placental abruption can be so It is always better to speak with your doctor who could guide you better regarding treatment required after thoroughly examining the situation in hand.
In conclusion- If you’re currently pregnant thinking “what if it happened to me”, don’t panic!
Most cases of placental abruption occur somewhere during 24th -34th week i.e. earlier weeks so human experience shows us self care!! No alternatives mate, taking care of yourself as well as that tiny human growing inside are best way forwards!