Placental Abruption Associated with Cerebral Palsy

Placental abruption is separation of the placenta from its normal implantation site of the uterine body before delivery of the fetus. The Japan Obstetric Compensation System for Cerebral Palsy (JOCSC) includes it as a major cause of cerebral palsy. Placental abruption is classified as revealed or concealed hemorrhage on the basis of the presence or absence of external bleeding; concealed hemorrhage is associated with a worse prognosis for mothers and infants. If survival of the fetus is confirmed in cases of placental abruption, it should usually be delivered promptly. There is no evidence-based method to prevent placental abruption. Therefore, awareness of early symptoms of placental abruption in pregnant Japanese women is important.