The aetiology and outcome of abruptio placentae.

A series of 193 cases of abruptio placentae in a hospital population of 35,217 is described. This is an incidence of 0.55%. In the series both age and parity, but not pre-eclampsia or anaemia, are significant associated factors. The recurrence rate of abruptio placentae was 5.6%. There were no maternal deaths and the perinatal mortality was 35%. Epidural analgesia does not abolish the pain of the abruptio placentae in spite of abolishing the pain of labour.