abruptio placentae

Definition

Premature separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus before birth. Abruption is a life-threatening condition for the mother and the fetus; it occurs about once in 500 to 750 births. If the pregnancy is close to the seventh month or later, the baby is often successfully delivered by cesarean section.
Synonyms: abruption placenta, ablatio placentae. See: preeclampsia.