What condition is characterized by the placenta separating prematurely from the uterine wall?

The condition characterized by the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall is known as abruptio placentae. This separation can lead to serious complications, both for the mother and the fetus, including heavy bleeding, fetal distress, and potential for premature delivery. In abruptio placentae, the placenta detaches partially or completely from its implantation site before the delivery of the baby, which can be triggered by various factors such as trauma, hypertension, or substance abuse.

In contrast, placenta previa involves the placenta covering the cervical opening, which can lead to bleeding during pregnancy and delivery complications, but it does not involve premature separation from the uterine wall. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, commonly in a fallopian tube, rather than any issue with the placenta. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and potential damage to other organ systems, but it does not involve the physical separation of the placenta from the uterus. Thus, abruptio placentae specifically describes the condition of interest related to the premature detachment of the placenta.