Placenta:Placenta Accreta

During pregnancy, the placenta generally attaches to the uterine wall to provide nourishment for the growing baby. However, in placenta accreta, the placenta attaches too deeply into the wall of the uterus. This condition affects approximately 1 out of 2,500 pregnancies.

There are actually three levels for this condition. Placenta accreta occurs when the placenta attaches deep in the uterine wall, but does not go through the uterine muscles. Placenta increa occurs when the placenta attaches deeper into the uterine wall and goes into the uterine muscle. Placenta percreta is the least severe and occurs when the placenta goes completely through the uterine wall and attaches to other organs.

Although reseraches do not know the exact cause of placenta accreta, women with placenta previa and a prior history of cesarean deliveries are more likely to experience the condition. The more cesarean sections a woman has had, the higher the risk for placenta accreta.

A woman with placenta accreta should discuss the various delivery options with her healthcare provider upon being diagnosed. Additional monitoring may be necessary during pregnancy and delivery is usually scheduled. Unfortunately, many women with placenta accreta will require a hysterectomy at the time of delivery due to the increased likelihood of hemorrhage while trying to detach the placenta, which can be life threatening. Preterm delivery is common with placenta accreta, so bed rest and medication may be necessary.

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