Abruption vs Previa

This nursing cheatsheet will help you learn about the key differences between placental abruption and placenta previa, two important conditions in obstetrics. Placental abruption, or abruptio placenta, involves the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall. This can lead to the rupture of arterial vessels, causing major obstetric hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock. It inhibits the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and is a common cause of fetal demise from maternal trauma. Clinically, it presents with symptoms like backache, painful contractions, abdominal pain, uterine rigidity, dark-red vaginal bleeding (which can be frank or concealed), maternal hemorrhagic shock, and abnormal fetal heart tones​​​​. In contrast, placenta previa refers to the implantation of the placenta in the lower uterine segment or over the internal os, covering the cervix. It can be complete, partial, or marginal depending on the degree of coverage. The condition is characterized by sudden painless bright red bleeding in the second or third trimester, with the uterus being soft and non-tender. Vaginal exams are contraindicated for placenta previa, and its management depends on factors like the age of the fetus, the degree of placenta previa, and whether the fetus or mother are in distress​​​​​​​​. Understanding these differences is crucial for appropriate obstetric care and management.