Placental abruption occurs when the placenta (the organ that nourishes the fetus during pregnancy) peels away from the uterus wall. This separation can deprive a fetus of oxygen and cause heavy bleeding in the mother. Serious effects of placental abruption include premature birth, neurological development problems and even death of the fetus.
Risk factors for a placental abruption include blood clotting disorders, cigarette smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure during pregnancy and a large number of past deliveries. While the exact cause of an abruption may be unknown, it can be a side effect of trauma to the abdomen area from a fall or otcher type accident. In other situations, doctors and other healthcare providers may not monitor the mother as closely as necessary if she has one of these risk factors. In these cases, parents may be able to file a lawsuit against the negligent party and recover compensation for their injury and effects to their unborn baby.
