Placental abruption is typically associated with which features?

Placental abruption is typically associated with which features?

• A. Placenta previa with painless bleeding
• B. Dark, painful bleeding with uterine tenderness
• C. Painless, mild bleeding with no fetal distress
• D. Mild bleeding and normal contractions

Answer: (B)

Placental abruption happens when the placenta separates from the uterus before delivery, causing bleeding into the uterine cavity and irritation of the uterus. The hallmark is painful vaginal bleeding with a tender or rigid uterus, and fetal distress is common because the detachment disrupts placental oxygen transfer. The description of dark, painful bleeding with uterine tenderness fits this scenario best. By contrast, placenta previa presents with painless bleeding, and bleeding with no uterine tenderness or normal contractions is not typical of abruption.

Placental abruption happens when the placenta separates from the uterus before delivery, causing bleeding into the uterine cavity and irritation of the uterus. The hallmark is painful vaginal bleeding with a tender or rigid uterus, and fetal distress is common because the detachment disrupts placental oxygen transfer. The description of dark, painful bleeding with uterine tenderness fits this scenario best. By contrast, placenta previa presents with painless bleeding, and bleeding with no uterine tenderness or normal contractions is not typical of abruption.