A woman who suffered an abruption at 34 weeks in her last pregnancy asks about the risk of recurrence in a future pregnancy. The approximate recurrence risk after one abruption is:

• A About 10 percent ✓
• B 1 to 2 percent
• C About 40 percent
• D Recurrence risk equals the background population risk

Explanation

Abruptio placentae recurs in approximately 10 percent of subsequent pregnancies after one affected pregnancy, rising to roughly 25 percent after two affected pregnancies. This elevated risk likely reflects persistent underlying vascular disease such as chronic hypertension or a thrombophilia. The risk is clearly above background but far below 40 percent, and counseling should include surveillance and control of hypertensive disorders in future pregnancies.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.