Abruption

I spent several hours in the ER yesterday. About 2am that morning I experienced severe pain. It was so bad that I wanted Rob to call 911. Then it let up. So I went back to sleep. When I got up in the morning there was blood in my panties.

I immediately dropped the Sprout off with the in-laws and headed to the ER. The good thing was I saw a doctor almost immediately. Was sent off for an ultrasound. Sent back to ER to wait a while, so I called Rob.

I have had what they call an abruption.

Abruptio placenta (an abruption) occurs when the placenta partially separates from the wall of the uterus before the delivery of the fetus. The bleeding that results may come out of the cervix or it may stay between the placenta and the uterus. This can be a dangerous situation for the mother and the baby since the mother may be losing blood and the blood flow to the fetus may be decreased.

The cause of abruptio placenta is unknown. Some conditions that are associated with it include:

•	Increased maternal age and parity (number of previous deliveries)
•	Pregnancy induced hypertension or chronic hypertension
•	Preterm prematurely ruptured membranes
•	External trauma (rare)
•	Cocaine abuse
•	Uterine tumors
•	Previous abruptio placenta

Signs and symptoms of abruptio placenta can vary. The major symptom is bleeding. You may also experience uterine tenderness, back pain, or frequent contractions.

Treatment will depend on the baby's age and the amount of blood loss. If there is a lot of bleeding, delivery of the fetus and treatment of hemorrhage (excessive bleeding) will be done. If there is not much blood loss, treatment may depend on the status and the age of the fetus. The mother and baby will have to be monitored closely, but the goal is to prolong the pregnancy to increase fetal growth and development. In most cases, tocolytic drugs (to stop contractions) are not used, but your doctor will discuss this with you if it is an option. A vaginal delivery may be an option, but if there is prolonged bleeding or a total separation of the placenta, delivery of the baby is by means of an immediate cesarean section.

Isn't that just great???

I am on Bed rest until I see my doctor on Monday. I am not supposed to lift anything over 4 pounds, and no sex(as if this is even an option, my tummy is so bloody sore that I didn't want the doctor touching me let alone anyone else!)

I have a one year old running around, who weighs more then four pounds! More like 25, and yet they expect me to not lift him? Back to reality. I have no one to come and stay with me, I have no one to really go and stay with. I'm frustrated beyond all hell.

I am so worried and of course my blood pressure is high, so this isn't helping.

*sigh* I just want to cry.

It's been a pretty bad day, it's only 10 am. I have to admit yesterday was worse. I hate the waiting. I'm almost 18 weeks, 12 more and this baby is viable.

Tick Tock!