Mechem C C, Knopp R K, Feldman D
Department of Emergency Medicine, Valley Medical Center, Fresno, California.
Ann Emerg Med. 1992 Jul;21(7):883-5. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(05)81040-6.
Abruptio placentae is a complication of pregnancy associated with significant morbidity and mortality for both fetus and mother. The presence of uterine pain and tenderness traditionally has been considered a useful criterion for distinguishing abruptio placentae from other causes of bleeding in pregnancy. We report the case of a 25-year-old woman who presented with painless abruptio placentae and coagulopathy during the second trimester. This case illustrates the importance of considering this diagnosis in pregnant patients with vaginal bleeding.