What is Placenta Accreta?

Placenta accreta is a serious pregnancy condition. It happens when the placenta—which provides food and oxygen to the baby—grows too deeply into the wall of the uterus (womb). Normally, after a baby is born, the placenta peels away from the uterus wall easily. However, with placenta accreta, the placenta is stuck. This makes it very hard to separate after birth.

This condition is dangerous because it can cause life-threatening bleeding. In many cases, it requires a blood transfusion or a hysterectomy (a surgery to remove the uterus). Doctors usually find this condition during a pregnancy ultrasound or during delivery. To keep the mother safe, doctors often plan an early Cesarean section (C-section) followed by a hysterectomy.

In what ways does placenta accreta come in different types?

There are three types of this condition. The type depends on how deeply the placenta has attached to the uterus.

• Placenta Accreta: This is the most common type. The placenta attaches firmly to the lining of the uterus but does not grow into the muscle or through the wall.
• Placenta Increta: This is more serious. The placenta grows deeper into the muscular wall of the uterus but still does not go all the way through. This happens in about 15% of cases.
• Placenta Percreta: This is the most severe type. The placenta grows completely through the wall of the uterus. It can even attach to nearby organs like the bladder or bowels. This happens in about 5% of cases.

Who is more likely to get placenta accreta?

You may be at a higher risk for placenta accreta if you:

• Have had a C-section in the past.
• Have "placenta previa" (where the placenta covers the cervix).
• Have had other surgeries on your uterus, such as fibroid removal.
• Have given birth to more than one child.
• Became pregnant through IVF (In Vitro Fertilization).

Does placenta accreta hurt the baby?

The condition does not directly hurt the baby while they are inside the womb. However, because placenta accreta is dangerous for the mother, doctors often deliver the baby early. Premature babies (born before 37 weeks) may have trouble breathing or gaining weight and might need to stay in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

What are the risks for the woman giving birth?

If the placenta grows too deep, the mother faces several risks:

• Giving birth before the due date.
• Damage to the uterus or nearby organs (like the bladder).
• Inability to have more children if a hysterectomy is needed.
• Severe bleeding that requires a blood transfusion.
• Problems with blood clots.
• Lung or kidney failure in extreme cases.
• In very rare and severe cases, death.

How often does placenta accreta happen?

Placenta accreta occurs in about 1 out of every 533 pregnancies. The number of cases has gone up over the last few decades. Experts believe this is because more C-sections are being performed today than in the past.

What causes placenta accreta?

The main cause is an issue with the lining of the uterus. If the lining is scarred or damaged—often from previous surgeries—the placenta is more likely to grow too deep.

Specific risk factors include:

• Multiple C-sections: The more C-sections a woman has had, the higher the risk because of the scar tissue left behind. Over 60% of cases occur in women who have had more than one C-section.
• Uterine Surgeries: Removing fibroids or having procedures like a D&C (to remove tissue from the uterus) can leave scars that the placenta might grow into.
• Placenta Previa: If the placenta is positioned over the cervix and there is a C-section scar nearby, the risk increases significantly.

What are the signs of placenta accreta?

Most of the time, there are no symptoms. However, during the third trimester (weeks 28 to 40), some women may experience vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain if the placenta is pressing on other organs.

How do doctors diagnose placenta accreta?

A doctor can often see placenta accreta during a routine pregnancy ultrasound. If the ultrasound isn't clear, the doctor might order an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to see exactly how deep the placenta has grown.

Sometimes, the condition isn't discovered until the baby is born. Normally, the placenta should come out within 30 minutes of birth. If it stays stuck, the doctor will suspect placenta accreta.

How important is it to find placenta accreta early?

Finding it early is vital. It allows a team of specialists to prepare for the birth. This team might include a doctor for the mother (perinatologist) and a doctor for the baby (neonatologist). Early diagnosis helps the doctor plan the delivery to prevent dangerous bleeding and can save the mother's life.

How do doctors treat placenta accreta?

If the doctor knows about the condition before birth, they will monitor you closely. You may be told to rest or stay in the hospital to prevent early labor.

• Planned Delivery: Doctors usually schedule a C-section between 34 and 37 weeks.
• Hysterectomy: In many cases, the safest treatment is to remove the uterus immediately after the baby is delivered (a Cesarean hysterectomy). This prevents the massive bleeding that happens when trying to pull the placenta away.
• Conserving the Uterus: If a woman strongly desires to have more children, she can talk to her doctor about trying to save the uterus. In some cases, doctors leave pieces of the placenta inside to dissolve over time, but this carries a high risk of infection or heavy bleeding later.

What is the outlook for people with placenta accreta?

The outlook is generally good if the condition is caught during pregnancy and managed by a medical team. The biggest changes are the likelihood of an early birth and the fact that you cannot get pregnant again if a hysterectomy is performed.

Can I have another child after placenta accreta?

If you have a hysterectomy, you will not be able to get pregnant again. If the doctor is able to save your uterus, you may be able to have another child, but you would be at a very high risk for the same condition happening again.

Can placenta accreta be prevented?

No, you cannot stop the placenta from growing this way once it starts. The best thing to do is talk to your doctor about your risks if you have had uterine surgery or C-sections in the past.

When should I call my doctor?

If you are pregnant and diagnosed with this condition, your doctor will give you specific instructions. However, you should seek medical help immediately if you experience:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking through a pad in less than an hour).
• Sudden or severe pelvic pain.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Placenta Accreta treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Placenta Accreta treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a highly experienced team of obstetricians, gynecologists, anesthetists, and critical care specialists, known among the best doctors for high-risk pregnancy management. We provide early and accurate diagnosis through advanced ultrasound and imaging, followed by carefully planned, personalized treatment to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. Our hospital is fully equipped for high-risk deliveries, emergency surgeries, blood management, and intensive care support. With years of experience in managing complex pregnancy conditions like placenta accreta, our team delivers safe, timely. 

To seek an Expert Consultation for Placenta Accreta treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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