Uterine contraction patterns in abruptio placentae.

Tocographic monitoring of 21 patients with grade III abruptio placentae revealed the following: the tocographic pattern can be of diagnostic aid; the tocograph is of no value in measuring progress, because there is no significant change in uterine tone and contraction frequency and amplitude from the time the membranes are ruptured until the delivery of the fetus; and the tocographic patterns in abruptio placentae are probably of diagnostic value as regards the coagulation defect, but further proof of this is necessary.