Tests

The following were found on a US site so please note that the NHS may not carry out all of these tests. Some of them however are quite standard (we couldn't find the definitive tests carried out by the NHS on their site) Click the tests for further information:
Abdominal ultrasoundComplete blood countFetal monitoringFibrinogen levelPartial thromboplastin timePelvic examProthrombin timeVaginal ultrasound

Treatment

Treatment may include fluids through a drip and blood transfusions. The mother will be carefully monitored for symptoms of shock and may be given oxygen. The unborn baby will be watched for signs of distress, which includes an abnormal heart rate.

An emergency cesarean section may be needed. If the baby is very premature and there is only a small placental separation, the mother may be kept in the hospital for close observation. She may be released if the condition does not get worse. In our opinion make sure you are being observed over a period of days and not just for a few hours.

If the fetus is developed enough, normal vaginal delivery may be done if it is safe for the mother and child (this may involve breaking the waters/membranes by artificial means). Otherwise, a cesarean section may be done.

Prevention

As in all pregnancies avoid smoking, drinking or using recreational drugs. In addition your midwife/healthcare professionals should recognise and manage conditions in the mother such as diabetes and high blood pressure. This should help to decrease the risk of placental abruption.

Try your best to get early and regular prenatal care, I know that this can be hard on the NHS (UK) if they class you as low risk. Sadly low risk Mums are not monitored as much as they should be which is why we have started two e-petitions in the UK to try to make a change - click the 'HM Goverment' link on the left to sign our e-petitions. Just because a Mum is low risk does not mean that the baby is, however this view is not shared by the NHS.