ADDRESSING FETAL DISTRESS / ABRUPTIO PLACENTA

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Updated 1/25

Dear nurses,

Prolapse of the umbilical cord during pregnancy
may be a complication of breech birth. In breech
presentation, the fetus faces the opposite direction.

Fetal distress may have many causes, these include:
- prolapse of the umbilical cord

- meconium in the amniotic fluid
- abruptio placenta

- IV Pitocin used to induce labor

Cesarean section may be necessary to avoid distress
of the baby.

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.