Placenta Accreta

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.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

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.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.