If you suspect partial separation of the placenta, which method is used for diagnosis?

In the context of diagnosing partial separation of the placenta, the most appropriate method is to follow the cord with a sterile glove. This technique enables the practitioner to assess the integrity and positioning of the placenta and helps identify any abnormalities that may indicate a separation. By carefully feeling for the placenta along the cord, the practitioner can determine if there has been any detachment from the uterine wall.

While ultrasound imaging is a valuable diagnostic tool for many obstetric conditions and can detect placental issues, it may not be immediately accessible in all clinical settings and does not provide the same immediate hands-on assessment that following the cord does. Abdominal palpation can provide information about fetal positioning and uterine tone but may not specifically indicate placental separation. Visual inspection of the vagina could reveal vaginal bleeding or other issues, but it does not directly confirm placental status or its separation from the uterine wall.

Thus, following the cord with a sterile glove is a direct and practical method for assessing the placenta in cases of suspected separation, allowing for timely management and intervention if necessary.