What is placenta accreta ?

Placenta accreta is a life threatening pregnancy complication which occurs when blood vessels or other parts of the placenta grows deeply into the uterine wall. With this condition, the placenta remains strongly attached and causes vaginal bleeding during the third trimester or severe blood loss after delivery.

What is the difference between the terms accreta, increta or percreta ?

Placenta Accreta : This is when the placenta attaches too deep in the uterine wall, but does not penetrate the uterine muscle. It is the most common form.

Placenta Increta : It occurs when the  placenta attaches even deeper into the uterine wall and does penetrate into the uterine muscle.

Placenta Percreta : This condition occurs when  the placenta penetrates through the entire uterine wall and attaches to another organ. This type is very rare.

How do I know I am at risk ?

 
Factors that increase your risk of placenta accrete include
 

• maternal age of 35 years or older
• placenta previa
• previous child birth
• uterine abnormalities or scarring in the tissue that lines the uterus
• previous uterine surgery
• previous child-birth

How is placenta accreta managed ?

 
If you have this condition your doctor will closely monitor you.
 
If you have extensive  placenta accreta , the doctor will do  a C-section followed by a hysterectomy to prevent life-threatening blood loss that can occur if part or all of the placenta remains attached after delivery.
 
Your doctor will also recommend scheduling your C-section as early as 35 weeks of pregnancy to prevent any unscheduled delivery.
 
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