Which description matches Grade I placental abruption?

Which description matches Grade I placental abruption?

• A. Mild bleeding, no fetal distress
• B. Severe bleeding with painful contractions
• C. Moderate bleeding with fetal distress
• D. No bleeding with fetal distress

Answer: (A)

Grade I placental abruption is characterized by a mild separation of the placenta with minimal clinical impact. The hallmark is light vaginal bleeding and a reassuring fetus with no fetal distress, while the mother remains hemodynamically stable and the uterus is not markedly tender or hypertonic. This milder presentation distinguishes it from higher-grade abruptions, which show heavier bleeding, uterine tenderness or contractions, and fetal distress or maternal instability. Therefore, mild bleeding with no fetal distress aligns best with Grade I.

Grade I placental abruption is characterized by a mild separation of the placenta with minimal clinical impact. The hallmark is light vaginal bleeding and a reassuring fetus with no fetal distress, while the mother remains hemodynamically stable and the uterus is not markedly tender or hypertonic. This milder presentation distinguishes it from higher-grade abruptions, which show heavier bleeding, uterine tenderness or contractions, and fetal distress or maternal instability. Therefore, mild bleeding with no fetal distress aligns best with Grade I.