Which statement about placental abruption bleeding is true?

• A. Heavy Bleeding May Not Be Readily Apparent (Dark Red)
• B. It May Be Concealed; Heavy Internal Bleeding May Occur
• C. It Is Not Associated With Pain
• D. It Improves With Rest

Answer: (B)

Bleeding from placental abruption can be hidden inside the uterus, not just seen as bright vaginal bleeding. When the placenta separates, blood can pool between the placenta and the uterine wall, creating a concealed retroplacental hematoma. This means substantial internal blood loss may occur even if there isn’t obvious external bleeding. The uterus often becomes tender and firm, and the fetus may show distress because the placental blood flow is compromised. Rest or not, the condition does not improve on its own; pain is common due to uterine contractions, and external bleeding is not a reliable marker of severity. So the true statement is that bleeding may be concealed and heavy internal bleeding can occur.