PLACENTAL ABRUPTION

Few weeks ago, I was perturbed by an incident. One of my relatives delivered a premature baby (fetus of approximately 20 weeks old) who died immediately after birth. It seems the doctors were not sure of the cause and are planning to do a biopsy. I am not sure whether I can put the term “placental abruption” for that condition in which the placenta partially or completely separates from the uterus before the baby is born. I read that placental abruption occurs in 1 % of pregnancies world wide with a fetal mortality rate of 20-40% depending on the degree of separation. It seems trauma or injury to the abdomen, hypertension, short umbilical cord, prolonged rupture of membranes or rapid loss of amniotic fluid that surrounds and protects the baby in the uterus could cause placental abruption. The symptoms include mild abdominal cramps, constant backaches or frequent uterine contractions.

MOST EXPENSIVE SAREE

When I was shopping for my wedding in Chennai Silks store, I came across this beautiful and most expensive saree. I was stunned to hear that it costs Rs. 40 lakhs ! (about $85,000 !!). The famous 20th century artist Ravi Verma's painting – “Lady Musicians” has been woven into it with 12 different precious stones and metals (gold, diamond, platinum, silver, ruby, emerald, yellow sapphire, sapphire, cat’s eye, topaz, pearl and corals). I was told that it took about 7 months for 30 weavers to make this saree. This record breaking saree is expected to enter into the Guiness Book.