What is abruptio placentae?

Abruptio placentae, or placental abruption, is defined as the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before the delivery of the baby. This condition can occur suddenly and can lead to significant complications for both the mother and fetus, including maternal hemorrhage and fetal distress.

When placental abruption occurs, it typically manifests with symptoms such as abdominal pain, back pain, and vaginal bleeding. Timely identification and management are crucial in ensuring the safety of both the mother and the developing fetus. The other options describe different conditions: excessive amniotic fluid relates to hydramnios, abnormal growth of placental tissue refers to conditions like placental previa or gestational trophoblastic disease, and the mention of male fertility is unrelated to placental issues. Thus, the description of abruptio placentae as the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall is accurately captured in the correct answer.