Overview
Placenta accreta is a condition where the placenta (the food and oxygen source for a fetus) grows too deeply into the wall of your uterus. In a typical pregnancy, the placenta easily detaches from the wall of your uterus after your baby is born. In placenta accreta, the placenta has grown into your uterine wall and doesn’t separate easily following delivery. In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening vaginal bleeding. It may require a blood transfusion and hysterectomy (removal of your uterus). Pregnancy care providers diagnose placenta accreta during pregnancy or during delivery. Treatment usually involves an early Cesarean delivery (C-section) followed by a hysterectomy to minimize the risk of severe complications.
What are the different types of placenta accreta?
There are three types of placenta accreta. Providers determine the type based on how deeply the placenta is attached to your uterus.
- Placenta accreta: The placenta firmly attaches to the wall of your uterus. It doesn’t pass through the wall of the uterus or impact the muscles of the uterus. This is the most common type.
- Placenta increta: In this type, the placenta is more deeply embedded in the wall of your uterus. It still doesn’t pass through the uterine wall but is firmly attached to the muscle of the uterus. Placenta increta accounts for about 15% of cases.
- Placenta percreta: The most severe of the types, placenta percreta happens when the placenta passes through the wall of your uterus. The placenta might grow through your uterus and impact other organs, such as your bladder or intestines. It accounts for about 5% of cases.
Who’s at risk for placenta accreta?
You’re at higher risk for placenta accreta if you:
- Have had previous Cesarean deliveries.
- Have a placenta in an abnormal location in your uterus.
- Have had previous surgeries on your uterus.
- Have had more than one pregnancy.
- Are pregnant via IVF.
Does placenta accreta harm the fetus?
Placenta accreta doesn’t directly harm the fetus. Placenta accreta often leads to preterm birth. Preterm birth carries risks such as respiratory problems or trouble gaining weight. Babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy have a higher risk of being admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for specialized treatment.
What are the risks of placenta accreta to the birthing person?
- Premature delivery.
- Damage to your uterus and surrounding organs.
- Loss of fertility due to hysterectomy.
- Excessive bleeding that requires a blood transfusion.
- Blood clotting issues.
- Lung or kidney failure.
- Death.
How common is placenta accreta?
Placenta accreta may affect up to 1 in 533 pregnancies. The occurrence of placenta accreta has increased over the last several decades, mostly due to the increased rate of C-sections.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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