Placenta Abruption: Symptoms, Causes & What to Do

Question
Hello, I am 26 years old and have 3 children. Baby #4 is on its way, my LMP was July 19, 2005. I was wondering why there was no info on this site for placenta abruption? I had back pain, cramping and bleeding yesterday when I went to the doctor they gave me an ultrasound and told me they saw 2 "spots" 1 big and 1 small. I was told the spots were placenta abruption...placenta abruption? I found some info on this was wondering if the placenta can re-attach and what i can do to help me and my baby


Thanks a lot for any help,
Danielle

Answer
At 15 weeks gestation, it is doubtful that the "spots" are due to placental abruption. It is more likely that they are due to a "subchorionic hematoma" which is a sequestration of blood in the folds of the developing placenta. If it was definitely diagnosed as a "placental abruption" (which is a premature separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus), the placenta may, indeed, reattach to the wall. There is nothing you can do to help. If you are bleeding heavily with cramps, stay on bedrest until the bleeding stops. Usually, a abruption is more definite that 2 "spots". At 15 weeks gestation, a placental abruption is not a good sign.