If I Had a Placental Abruption, Will It Happen Again? Everything You Need to Know

Placental abruption can happen suddenly and be frightening. It can leave you replaying what happened and wondering what to do next. If you’re asking, “I had a placental abruption—will it happen again?” or searching about getting pregnant after placental abruption, you deserve straightforward guidance on what comes next. American Surrogacy supports families after serious pregnancy complications with a plan that protects your health and helps you plan your next steps.

You didn’t cause your abruption. You also don’t have to plan the next step alone. Our team can explain what doctors look at—your chance of recurrence, your health, your baby’s health in a future pregnancy, and your emotional recovery—and help you compare trying again with choosing surrogacy. We coordinate with your OB/MFM and fertility clinic so your decisions are grounded in your medical history and goals.

Start with a conversation. If you’ve had an abruption or your doctor recommends that you avoid pregnancy, we can talk through your options and timeline. Talk with a surrogacy specialist

We’ll listen first. Then we’ll outline practical next steps—what to ask your specialist, how surrogacy works when pregnancy isn’t advisable, and what your path could look like over the next few months. If you’re still meeting with an MFM, we can help you prepare questions and gather records so that appointment is more productive.

If I Had a Placental Abruption, Will It Happen Again?

Recurrence at a Glance (Will It Happen Again?)

Having one abruption makes another one more likely than it is for someone who has never had one. The overall risk is still low for most people, but it’s high enough that you should get careful guidance from a Maternal–Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist before trying again.

Recurrence Rate: What the Numbers Mean

In the general population, abruption happens in well under 1% of pregnancies. After you’ve had one, your personal risk in a later pregnancy can be several times higher—often in the low single‑digit percentages.

Most people will not have a second abruption, but your care plan should be tailored to you. Your specialist will factor in how far along you were, the severity of bleeding, whether preeclampsia or blood‑pressure issues were present, and how the baby did after delivery.

Risk Factors That Raise or Lower Recurrence

Doctors consider when the abruption happened, how severe it was, and whether problems like high blood pressure or preeclampsia were present. They also look at smoking or nicotine use, certain substances, abdominal injury, placental problems, blood‑clotting issues, the time between pregnancies, age, and other health conditions (for example, diabetes, autoimmune disease, or uterine differences).

No single factor “predicts” an abruption, but the full picture helps your team give good advice. Some risks are modifiable—such as blood‑pressure control and nicotine exposure—while others are not. Your plan should focus on the pieces you can change and a realistic view of the ones you can’t.

Maternal and Fetal Risks If You Try Again

If you try to carry another pregnancy, your care team will think about four things: your chance of another abruption, your own safety, the baby’s safety, and how to lower risk. A plan might include a preconception visit with an MFM, getting blood pressure to goal, stopping nicotine or other substances, and—if you qualify—taking low‑dose aspirin to help prevent preeclampsia.

You would likely have a personalized monitoring plan with more visits and growth checks. Some people are advised not to carry again because the risk is too high; others move forward with close monitoring. Either way, knowing the plan in advance can reduce anxiety and help you feel more in control.

OB/MFM Guidance After Abruption: Timing, Work‑Up, and Monitoring

Your doctor will review your records and any lab or pathology results, screen for health issues that can be improved, and talk with you about timing. Most patients benefit from time to heal and stabilize health markers before another pregnancy.

If you’re undecided, a preconception visit with an MFM can outline a clear “if this, then that” plan so you can choose with confidence. Typical conversations include blood‑pressure goals, iron levels, thyroid or glucose screening, medication review, and delivery planning at a hospital with appropriate neonatal support if you do conceive.

Why Surrogacy After Placental Abruption Can Be the Safest Path

How Gestational Surrogacy Bypasses Pregnancy Risks

Surrogacy (also called a gestational carrier) means another person with a healthy uterus carries the pregnancy for you. If your medical team worries that pregnancy could be dangerous for you or another baby, surrogacy removes those pregnancy risks from your body.

Many parents say having a carefully screened surrogate and a clinical team managing the day‑to‑day lets them focus on preparing for their child. It’s also a way to protect your long‑term health while giving your future child the benefit of a lower‑risk pregnancy.

When to Consider Surrogacy After Abruption

We’ll lay out your options and support the path you choose—aligned with your medical team and your values. If you’re leaning toward surrogacy—or just want to talk it through—Talk with a surrogacy specialist.

We’ll outline next steps at your pace. Many families consider surrogacy after an early or severe abruption, a history of hypertensive disorders, or when their MFM recommends avoiding future pregnancy for maternal or fetal safety.

Your DNA, Your Baby: How Genetics Work in Surrogacy

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate is not genetically related to the baby. Your child can be genetically related to you, your partner, or both—depending on which eggs and sperm are used.

How Embryos Are Created (IVF Basics)

An IVF clinic creates embryos using:

• Your eggs and your partner’s sperm, or
• One partner’s gametes and egg or sperm donor, or
• Donor eggs and donor sperm when that’s the best path.

Using Frozen Embryos and PGT

The embryo is transferred to the surrogate after medical and legal clearance. If you already have frozen embryos, your clinic can often use them after confirming they’re suitable.

Some families consider preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to learn more about embryos before transfer; your fertility doctor will explain whether that makes sense for you. If embryos are stored at another clinic, records can be transferred and shipping arranged once legal and screening steps are complete.

Your Journey with American Surrogacy: What to Expect

Our team guides you from your first questions to delivery.

Step 1: Meet with a Surrogacy Specialist

We’ll review your history, goals, and timing. If you’re still choosing between getting pregnant after placental abruption and surrogacy, we can help you build questions for your OB/MFM and coordinate with your clinic. We’ll also talk about the medical‑necessity note many programs ask for when a doctor advises against pregnancy. You’ll get a clear overview of fees, insurance, and the decisions you’ll make at each step.

Step 2: Match with a Fully Screened Surrogate

We prioritize programs that complete medical, psychological, and insurance screening before presenting profiles. This reduces delays and risk later. Want to compare programs? See 5 Most Reputable Surrogacy Agencies.

Typical timing: Many families match within 1 - 4 months when they are flexible about location and benefits. Your specialist will set realistic expectations and give you regular updates. We’ll also discuss communication preferences with your surrogate—things like update frequency, video calls, and how you’d like to be involved in appointments.

Step 3: Legal Protections

Your attorney drafts a clear gestational carrier agreement that covers medical decisions, parentage, expenses, and insurance. Depending on your state, you’ll secure a pre‑birth or post‑birth order so your parental rights are recognized. We also coordinate with the hospital so the birth plan respects everyone’s roles. If your embryos are stored out of state, we’ll help align legal steps with clinic logistics.

Step 4: IVF & Embryo Transfer

Your clinic creates or uses existing embryos and manages the transfer. The surrogate receives high‑quality prenatal care with support from your agency and clinic. If the first transfer doesn’t work, your team will explain the next steps so you know the plan. We’ll help you understand typical transfer protocols, what monitoring looks like, and how to plan travel around key dates.

Step 5: Pregnancy, Birth & Bringing Baby Home

Case management covers insurance, logistics, and birth planning so you can focus on bonding. We’ll help with travel, hospital procedures, and newborn logistics. You’ll be part of the milestone moments and the birth. After delivery, we coordinate discharge paperwork and make sure your documents and insurance details are in order for a smooth trip home.

Want help comparing programs? We can compare options with you—reach us via our contact page, or use the list above to begin.

Finding Your Surrogate Match

How to Choose a Surrogacy Agency After Medical Complications

For families wondering about pregnancy after a placental abruption, the right agency matters as much as the right surrogate. Look for programs that screen thoroughly before matching, share realistic match timelines, and protect your funds with escrow and clear policies.

Choose a team that understands medical trauma and supports families who have faced emergencies or loss. Ask how they handle insurance reviews, contingency planning, and backup matches if timelines change.

Medical Criteria for Gestational Carriers

Strong programs accept surrogates who have had at least one full‑term, uncomplicated birth, meet health and lifestyle criteria, and have solid support at home.

Many programs do not accept candidates with a history of serious hypertensive or placental problems because safety comes first for everyone. You’ll be able to review your surrogate’s health summary and prior pregnancy history before you match.

Typical Matching Timelines

Curious about timing? See how programs differ: Surrogacy Wait Times

The Price of a Safer Path: Surrogacy Costs Explained

Surrogacy involves medical care, legal work, and many services that keep the process safe and transparent.

Surrogacy Cost Breakdown: What’s Included

A complete plan usually includes agency services, surrogate compensation and benefits, IVF and prenatal care, legal work for the carrier agreement and parentage orders, insurance for the surrogate and sometimes the newborn, escrow/accounting, and travel when needed.

Surrogacy Cost Range and Key Drivers

In the U.S. today, gestational surrogacy often ranges from $100,000-$200,000+. The exact amount depends on your location, the number of embryo transfers, insurance needs, whether multiples are allowed, and whether you already have embryos. We’ll break down what’s essential, what’s optional, and where insurance may apply. If your employer offers family‑building benefits, we can help you use them effectively.

Financing Surrogacy: Loans, Grants, and Benefits

Families often use a mix of tools: fertility‑specific financing, nonprofit grants, personal loans with predictable payments, and—when appropriate—401(k) loans or withdrawals. Some medical costs may be eligible for HSA or FSA funds. If you already have frozen embryos, you may be able to spread costs out in phases. Ask your employer about family‑building benefits; more plans now include IVF and surrogacy support. If you’re comparing options, this guide can help you decide whether surrogacy financing worth it for your family.

Emotional Support After Pregnancy Complications

Support Groups and Reliable Resources

An abruption can leave lasting feelings. Fear, grief, or anxiety are common—and so is feeling unsure about getting pregnant after placental abruption. Helpful communities and resources:

• Gentle support: https://www.tommys.org/
• Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/
• NICU Parents community: https://www.reddit.com/r/NICUParents/
• Pregnancy After Loss Support: https://pregnancyafterlosssupport.org/
• Infertility forums: https://www.reddit.com/r/Infertility/

Trauma‑Informed Therapy and Staying Connected

Many parents also benefit from trauma‑informed therapy such as EMDR or trauma‑focused CBT. We can refer you to therapists who understand birth trauma and medical‑necessity surrogacy. We can help you stay involved during the surrogate’s pregnancy—joining ultrasound calls, setting up shared updates, and preparing at home—so you stay connected as the weeks go by. If you have older children, we can share age‑appropriate ways to talk about surrogacy and help them feel included.

Next Steps: Talk to a Specialist About Your Options

Talk to a Surrogacy Specialist

Whether you’re leaning toward getting pregnant after placental abruption or considering surrogacy, you deserve a clear, personalized plan. We’ll listen to your story, coordinate with your doctors, and build a lower‑risk plan to parenthood.

If you try to carry again, we’ll outline questions for your MFM and what high‑risk care might include. If surrogacy is recommended, we’ll help you compare programs, understand insurance and legal steps, and move forward at a pace that feels right.

Ready to feel confident about your next step? Talk with a surrogacy specialist

Finding a Safer Path to Parenthood

You didn’t cause your abruption. You do have options. If you’re weighing pregnancy after a placental abruption, we’ll help you get clear medical guidance and, if needed, build a surrogacy plan that protects your health and brings you closer to your baby.

Ready when you are. Talk with a surrogacy specialist | Read Success Stories

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: The content published on Surrogate.com is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with a licensed healthcare provider or reproductive specialist familiar with your personal medical history.