HESI Maternity Case Study Practice Test

Bleeding may be concealed in placental abruption because blood can collect behind the placenta or within the uterus without passing through the cervix. This means there can be a large internal hemorrhage even when vaginal bleeding is minimal or absent. The uterus may feel tender or firm, and the fetus can become distressed due to reduced placental blood flow, even though external bleeding isn’t obvious. Rest does not stop the process, and placental abruption can still cause fetal distress, so the idea that bleeding can be hidden despite heavy internal bleeding is the correct understanding.