Antepartum haemorrhage (APH) is defined as vaginal bleeding after the 20th week (third trimester) of pregnancy. APH is associated with increased foetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. The foetal and maternal status will depend on the amount, duration, and cause of bleeding.
The causes of APH are:
Placental abruption occurs when the placenta detaches from the endometrium. Detachment causes antepartum haemorrhaging at the location of abruption. Depending on the site of detachment, haemorrhaging may or may not be apparent. If abruption occurs behind the placenta where blood cannot escape through the cervix.