Which sign may indicate a potential placental abruption?

A potential placental abruption, which is the separation of the placenta from the uterus before delivery, is often indicated by sudden, severe abdominal pain. This pain can be sharp and may be accompanied by additional symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, back pain, or fetal heart rate abnormalities. The nature of the pain is typically acute and significant, distinguishing it from other types of discomfort that may occur during pregnancy.

The presence of strong fetal movements is generally a reassuring sign, indicating that the fetus is active and may not be in distress. Prolonged labor without contractions could indicate other complications, but it is not commonly associated with placental abruption. An increase in appetite during pregnancy is typically considered a normal variation and does not have a correlation with placental issues. Therefore, sudden and severe abdominal pain is the key indicator to be vigilant for when assessing for potential placental abruption.