Placental abruption

When the cause of the rupture of fetal membranes is an over-stretched uterus, there is a possibility of premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall (a condition called placental abruption which you will learn more about in Study Session 21). This can happen when a gush of fluid suddenly flows out of the uterus, ripping part of the placenta away from the uterine wall.