Placenta Accreta – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Understanding Placental Attachment Disorders

Placenta accreta happens when the placenta attaches too deeply to the uterine wall during pregnancy. This serious condition prevents the placenta from detaching normally after childbirth, which can lead to dangerous bleeding.

The condition exists on a spectrum. Sometimes only part of the placenta attaches too deeply, while in severe cases, it may grow through the entire uterine wall.

Previous uterine surgeries, especially cesarean sections, increase the risk by creating scar tissue where the placenta might abnormally attach.

Women diagnosed with placenta accreta typically need careful monitoring throughout pregnancy. Treatment usually involves a planned early cesarean delivery followed by removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) to prevent life-threatening bleeding.

Symptoms

Placenta accreta typically has no visible signs during pregnancy. Some pregnant women may experience vaginal bleeding in the third trimester. In many cases, doctors discover this condition during a routine ultrasound examination.

What Causes This Condition

Placenta accreta happens when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall. This problem typically occurs due to scarring in the uterine lining, most commonly from previous C-sections or other uterine surgeries.

The scar tissue can prevent the placenta from attaching normally. Not all cases follow this pattern. Some people develop placenta accreta without any history of uterine surgery, though this is less common.

Risk Factors

Several factors can raise your chance of developing placenta accreta:

  • Prior Uterine Operations: Each C-section or uterine surgery increases your risk.
  • Placenta Location: Higher risk when the placenta covers the cervix (placenta previa) or sits low in the uterus.
  • Age: Women over 35 face greater risk
  • Multiple Pregnancies: Risk increases with each pregnancy you have.

Your doctor will monitor you more closely during pregnancy if you have one or more of these risk factors.

Complications

Placenta accreta may lead to serious health issues:

Severe Bleeding

Heavy blood loss after delivery can be life-threatening. It may require blood transfusions and can lead to blood clotting problems. It might also cause respiratory failure or kidney damage.

Early Delivery

Pregnancy might end sooner than expected if:

  • Bleeding occurs during pregnancy.
  • The doctor determines early delivery is safer for the mother and baby.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.