ABRUPTIO PLACENTA

Updated 5/24

Dear nurses,

The image above shows, Mrs.S who is about six months pregnant.
She is relaxing at home. Suddenly, she starts to have abdominal 

and back pain. She is also beginning to experience bleeding.

The placenta is a very vascular organ that develops in the

 uterus of a woman during pregnancy. It is attached to the 

fetus by the umbilical cord and provides nourishment and
oxygen to the growing fetus.

When the placenta suddenly becomes detached from the uterus,
either by trauma , or unknown cause, it is called placenta abruptio.
Heavy vaginal bleeding , abdominal cramping and signs and
symptoms of shock may be present.

Abruptio placenta requires emergency care. Placental separation 
occurs. C-section is usually done.

Nursing responsibilities for the newborn

Immediately following birth, armbands are placed 

on both mother and baby. A physical assessment is
 done and the baby's vital signs, birth weight, head,
and chest circumferences are all documented.

Reflexes in the newborn

The palmar reflex is what causes the neonate to grasp

 with the fingers, when the palm of the hand is stroked.

Rooting and sucking reflexes are present at birth.
They cause the neonate to suck.

Additional newborn facts:
- A newborn's heart rate averages between 120-160 beats per minute.
- A newborn's respirations average between 35-60 breaths per minute.
- It is important to note that a newborn's neck is short and the neck
muscles are weak. The nurse should be aware of supporting this area
carefully.

The Clinical setting Step by Step is no longer available.
Learn more, by clicking on the links below: 

Fetal heart monitoring

Hyperemesis gravidarum

PROM