Partial placental abruption - any advice?

[HelenMellon]

Hi everyone,

First time MN user here. I'm 28 weeks pregnant with my first baby and would appreciate some advice from anyone who's had a similar situation. About 2 weeks ago I started spotting - not loads of blood, varying in colour from pink to very dark. I also developed some abdominal pain so I went to hospital, got checked out, they said they thought the blood was from outside the cervix and not to worry. Then last weekend I felt suddenly more severe, sharp pain, and started bleeding a bit more heavily, so went straight to hospital - they monitored the baby, he's fine, I stopped bleeding and they sent me home. I saw a doctor today and she said I most likely suffered a mild placental abruption, and the advice was basically keep an eye on the bleeding and come back in if it gets worse. I've still got abdominal and sometimes back pain but they seem to be saying this could be muscular as it comes and goes.

I've looked online for info about PA, and it's only really described as this very serious thing which can result in pre-term labour, stillbirth etc. I just wondered if anyone had had a similar experience? Obviously a bit stressed by this! Thanks.

Just registered to share my experience.
I have had several bleeding episodes since week 26. Although I have not had any sharp pain with any of those. During one of my visits to the hospital they confirmed the blood was coming out from the uterus and they said the edge of the placenta may be pulled away slightly. I was given steroid injections on week 28 when the bleeding happened for the third time. It meant to help the baby’s lungs to mature in case I went in preterm labour. On two occasions they put a cannula in my hand so they will have easy access should blood transfusion is needed. Also got extra growth scans to ensure the baby was growing properly. All checks came back fine. No causes were really confirmed to me. Apparently it is very common that they can’t establish the exact cause for bleeding. They said if it is a small tear then it cannot be seen on ultrasound scan and the placenta will reattach itself.
I’m 34 weeks today
It is quite frustrating and could be very stressful. Take it easy. Get plenty of rest and stay positive. Just make sure you go to hospital every time it happens. They will do all the checks to ensure the bleeding does not affect the baby.

Thanks very much for your response - that is reassuring. I have a scan this afternoon so it's possible that might show something - at least hopefully it should show the baby is growing ok. As you say it is frustrating having something so difficult to pin down - I had been to triage three times before they mentioned the possibility of placental abruption. I'm very pleased things have improved for you and I hope they continue to do so.