What is the major symptom associated with abruptio placenta?

Abruptio placenta, or placental abruption, is characterized by the premature separation of the placenta from the uterus, which can lead to significant complications for both the mother and fetus. One of the hallmark symptoms of this condition is painful vaginal bleeding. Patients may experience sudden onset of uterine pain or tenderness, along with bleeding, which can vary in amount. The pain is typically described as severe and can occur alongside contractions.

In contrast, painless vaginal bleeding is more commonly associated with placenta previa, where the placenta is located low in the uterus and partially or totally covers the cervix. Severe abdominal cramping could occur in various conditions, but it is not the defining symptom of abruptio placenta. Fever and chills might suggest an infection, which isn’t a primary symptom of placental abruption but could be seen in other obstetric emergencies. Therefore, painful vaginal bleeding stands out as the primary and most significant symptom associated with abruptio placenta, indicating an urgent situation that requires prompt medical evaluation and intervention.