What may indicate placental separation during delivery?

A change in uterine shape is a key indicator of placental separation during delivery. As the placenta detaches from the uterine wall, it can cause the uterus to change configuration, typically becoming smaller or more rounded. This alteration often correlates with the progression of labor and can signify that the placenta is moving toward delivery.

The other signs may not directly indicate placental separation. For instance, while a fetal heart rate drop can occur for various reasons, it is not exclusively linked to placental separation. Increased maternal anxiety might reflect emotional stress during labor but does not provide a reliable physiological indication of placental separation. Evidence of bleeding may suggest complications or issues but is not a definitive sign of placental separation on its own, as bleeding can occur for reasons unrelated to placental detachment. Thus, the change in uterine shape is the most specific and relevant sign to recognize during delivery.