How does placental abruption relate to HIE?
The placenta is the baby’s lifeline and supplies oxygen and nutrients from mother to baby. Under normal circumstances, the placenta remains attached to the uterus until after the baby is delivered.
A placental abruption is when the placenta separates too early, while the baby is not yet delivered. A placental abruption is an obstetrical emergency because it jeopardizes the health of both mother and baby.
An abruption can cause severe maternal bleeding. It can also cut off oxygen to the baby, causing hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Medical staff should closely monitor and suspect a placental abruption and deliver in time to avoid HIE. An abruption can be small but turn severe and become large very quickly. The medical staff must be prepared to deliver the baby not getting enough oxygen via emergency C-section.
How does a baby get HIE during a placental abruption?
The baby is entirely dependent on the placenta’s blood flow for nutrients and oxygen. Any condition that compromises blood flow can harm the oxygen supply to the baby. If the abruption occurs where the umbilical cord detaches from the placenta, it cuts off the baby’s oxygen supply. If a baby does not get enough oxygen for too long, and delivery is not performed in time, the baby can suffer a brain injury called HIE. The severity of the abruption depends on:
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- its size and location
- how much oxygen reserve the baby has
- how much time passes before delivery.
Was your baby diagnosed with HIE?
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is often preventable. We know how hard this diagnosis can be on your family. Call us with any questions you have. Our staff is here to talk to you, absolutely free.
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How Is a Placental Abruption Diagnosed?
Health care systems must recognize the signs and symptoms of placental abruption and deliver in time before a baby suffers HIE. Signs and symptoms may include: abdominal pain, bleeding, too many contractions, and abnormalities on the fetal heart monitor and signs of fetal distress. Some abruptions are hidden or concealed and show no bleeding at all.
Ultrasounds may or may not show abruption. Diagnosis of placental abruption is based on observation of signs and symptoms. The health care system should pay close attention to the mother and baby, especially if the mother has known risk factors for placental abruption.
Contact your doctor for any vaginal bleeding or unusual pain during your pregnancy. Excessive bleeding requires immediate emergency medical attention.
Legal Help for Birth Injuries from Placental Abruptions
Birth injuries can be devastating for parents. At ABC Law Centers, we focus exclusively on cases involving complications like placental abruption. Our team can help your family secure your child’s future despite medical negligence.
We can provide you with a free case evaluation and inform you of your legal options. Our staff is ready to hear your story.
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Dealing with a birth injury diagnosis can be difficult, but our attorneys can help. The ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers team focuses exclusively on birth injury and are dedicated to earning justice for families like yours.