Placental abruption is a serious complication where the placenta detaches from the uterus.

• A. It is a mild, harmless condition
• B. It occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterus
• C. It involves placenta previa
• D. It is unrelated to pregnancy outcomes

Answer: (C)

Placental abruption is defined by the placenta detaching from the wall of the uterus, which can cause painful vaginal bleeding, uterine contractions, and fetal distress. It is a serious obstetric emergency with real risks to both mother and baby, not a mild condition. It is not the same as placenta previa, where the placenta implants low in the uterus near or over the cervix and typically presents with painless bleeding. So describing abruption as involving placenta previa mixes two distinct conditions. The key idea is that abruption = detachment from the uterus, with significant potential for adverse outcomes.