a disorder of pregnancy in which the placenta prematurely separates from the wall of the uterus

Separation of the normally located placenta from its uterine attachment between the 20th week of pregnancy and the birth of the infant. Occurs mainly in the third trimester.

When the placenta begins to separate from the wall of the uterus before the baby is born, usually in the second and third trimester. Symptoms include sudden abdominal pain, hardness in the abdomen, vaginal bleeding, and lower back pain.

Very occasionally the placenta becomes partially or completely detached from the wall of the uterus before the baby is born. This can cause sudden bleeding which may put the mother and baby at risk. It is important to get medical aid immediately.

The premature loss of a placental connection to the uterus, leading to maternal hemorrhaging and shock.

See Placental separation. Also known as placental abruption.