Complications

Placental abruption can cause life-threatening problems for both mother and baby.

For the mother, placental abruption can lead to:

• Shock due to blood loss
• Blood clotting problems
• The need for a blood transfusion
• Failure of the kidneys or other organs resulting from blood loss
• Rarely, the need for hysterectomy, if uterine bleeding can't be controlled

For the baby, placental abruption can lead to:

• Restricted growth from not getting enough nutrients
• Not getting enough oxygen
• Premature birth
• Stillbirth