Background: Placental abruption is a major contributor to obstetrical haemorrhage and a major cause of perinatal mortality in developing countries. This has been done to an attempt to recognize this condition at an earlier stage, prevent its complications and properly manage the complications if they do occur.

Aim: To determine maternal and fetal outcome in females with placental abruption.

Methods: Hundred patients with confirmed diagnosis of placental abruption were divided in three categories according to the grade of placental abruption. Their baseline investigations including blood group, haemoglobin and coagulation profile i.e. partial thromboplastin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, serum fibrinogen and FDP's were performed and recorded for each category separately. The effect of each grade of abruption was studied on maternal and fetal outcome as well as extent of coagulation disturbance.

Results: The results of the study show that 66% babies were delivered alive and 34% were IUD/stillbirth. Gestational age at presentation was important in fetal outcome. Out of 30 babies presenting before 32 weeks of gestation 66% were IUD/stillbirth. 58% patients delivered vaginally and 42% had caesarean section. 32% patients had grade I abruption, 34% patients had grade 3 abruption. 18% patients had post-partum haemorrhage.

Conclusion: All professionals working in labour ward must be aware of the causes, presentation and complications of disease and appropriate measures taken in time can help reduce the maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Placental abruption, maternal outcome, foetal outcome, coagulation disturbance.