WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

The placenta (afterbirth) is the tissue that joins a mother to her developing baby. It supplies food and oxygen to the baby and removes waste and carbon dioxide. It normally remains attached to the wall of the uterus (womb) until the baby is delivered. Abruptio (ab-RUP-she-oh) placentae (pla-SEN-tee), also called placental abruption, occurs when the placenta breaks away from the uterus ahead of time. The problem can occur anytime between the 20th week of pregnancy and the beginning of delivery. All or only part of the placenta may break away from the uterus. Placental abruption can be dangerous for both you and the baby. You could lose a lot of blood, and the baby could die from lack of food and oxygen.