O45: Premature separation of placenta [abruptio placentae]

O45.8: Other premature separation of placenta

The uterus or womb sits in the pelvis and is pear-shaped. The narrower part extends downward into the vagina and is called the cervix. When a woman is pregnant, the child grows in her uterus. The placenta forms in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. The placenta consists of cells from the mother and cells from the unborn child. The placenta supplies the unborn child with nutrients and oxygen via the umbilical cord.

The placenta normally becomes detached as afterbirth after the child has been born. If the placenta becomes detached too soon, it happens before the child is born. As a result, the child may no longer be supplied with sufficient oxygen and nutrients. A lot of blood can be lost, too.