Overview
A prenatal ultrasound can diagnose placenta accreta during pregnancy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be helpful in some cases to show how deeply the placenta has penetrated your uterine wall.
In other cases, pregnancy care providers discover placenta accreta after your baby is born. Ideally, uterine contractions expel the placenta within 30 minutes of delivery. When this doesn’t occur, your provider may suspect placenta accreta.
How important is an early diagnosis of placenta accreta?
An early diagnosis of placenta accreta is essential because it can allow multiple healthcare providers to become involved in your pregnancy and delivery care. For example, a neonatologist may be involved in your newborn’s care, or a perinatologist may be involved in yours. Your provider will monitor you closely to ensure the best results for you and your baby.
Having the right people involved could prevent the removal of your uterus (hysterectomy) or life-threatening blood loss. In some cases, providers can’t avoid a hysterectomy and blood transfusion despite an early diagnosis; however, risks for other complications decrease with early diagnosis.
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