APEA Predictor Practice Exam

Placental abruption is a serious pregnancy complication that most commonly occurs in the third trimester. This timing is significant because the late stages of pregnancy, particularly from 28 weeks onward, see an increase in the risk factors that contribute to placental abruptions, including hypertension, trauma, and increased uterine activity.

In the third trimester, the placenta is larger and more vascular, and as the uterus grows, it can create conditions that heighten the likelihood of separation from the uterine wall. This separation can lead to maternal hemorrhage, fetal distress, or even fetal death, making awareness of this risk crucial for managing complications in later pregnancy stages.

In contrast, while placental abruption can occur earlier in gestation, it is much less common in the first and second trimesters due to the differences in uterine and placental development during these stages. Therefore, the understanding of its incidence primarily in the third trimester is aligned with clinical observations and statistical data.