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As much as we may believe that accumulated wisdom and medical advancements give us complete control over pregnancy, those who have been through it know that uncertainty is part of the journey. Even with strict adherence to guidelines and expert advice, there are still many unknowns about what can happen during pregnancy. This uncertainty becomes even more complex when considering the challenges of caring for a newborn once the baby arrives.
This isn’t meant to evoke fear; rather, it serves as a reminder that if things don’t go as planned during pregnancy, it’s crucial not to place blame on the pregnant individual for what might have gone wrong—especially if you’re “trying to help.” With that in mind, if you’re here because you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with placenta accreta, you likely want to understand the symptoms, risks, treatments, and management strategies for this condition. Here’s what you need to know.
Symptoms of Placenta Accreta
Placenta accreta occurs when the placenta attaches itself too deeply into the uterine wall. According to the medical experts at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, this condition can lead to two significant complications: the placenta may not detach after the baby is born, and attempts to remove it can cause severe bleeding. Generally, there are no noticeable symptoms of placenta accreta during pregnancy, though vaginal bleeding during the third trimester could occur.
Causes of Placenta Accreta
While researchers have not identified a single cause of placenta accreta, many individuals with the condition have abnormalities in the uterine lining, often due to scarring from a previous C-section or other uterine surgeries. However, not all patients with placenta accreta have such scarring. Other risk factors include:
- Placenta position: If the placenta partially or fully covers the cervix (known as placenta previa) or is located lower in the uterus, the risk increases.
- Maternal age: Women over 35 are at a higher risk.
- Previous childbirth: The likelihood of developing placenta accreta increases with each pregnancy.
Types of Placenta Accreta
There are two additional forms of placenta accreta, which depend on how deeply the placenta is attached to the uterus:
- Placenta increta: The placenta grows into the uterine wall but does not penetrate beyond it, attaching to the muscle.
- Placenta percreta: This is the most severe form, where the placenta grows through the uterine wall and can impact surrounding organs.
Diagnosing Placenta Accreta
Placenta accreta may sometimes be detected during routine pregnancy ultrasounds, but it’s more commonly diagnosed right before or during delivery. If there are suspicions while the individual is still pregnant, ultrasound is typically used, though MRI may be necessary if ultrasound is inconclusive. Notably, a diagnosis made before delivery does not always affect the outcome; many people diagnosed with placenta accreta still have routine deliveries.
Treatment Options for Placenta Accreta
Treatment approaches for placenta accreta depend on when it is diagnosed and how serious the situation is. Typically, surgery is required to address the condition, which may involve removing all or part of the placenta. Techniques include:
- Cord traction: This method involves massaging the placenta out of the uterus, which usually leads to less blood loss and shorter hospital stays.
- Manual removal: This involves the doctor manually extracting the placenta from the uterine wall.
For severe cases diagnosed early in pregnancy, healthcare providers might recommend scheduling a C-section followed by a hysterectomy to prevent life-threatening blood loss. In a hysterectomy, the ovaries are usually left intact to avoid premature menopause.
Risks of Retained Placenta
It’s essential to remove the placenta after delivery. Leaving it inside the uterus can prevent proper closure, leading to hemorrhaging. Ideally, the placenta should be expelled within 30 minutes of birth. Failure to do so can lead to complications such as uterine scarring, the need for blood transfusions, or even a hysterectomy, all of which can be life-threatening if not addressed immediately.
For those seeking more information on home insemination, check out our other blog post on intracervical insemination. If you’re interested in fertility resources, Make a Mom is an authority on the subject. Additionally, consider visiting Wikipedia for an excellent resource on artificial insemination techniques.
Summary
Placenta accreta is a serious condition that can complicate pregnancy and delivery. Understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial for managing the condition effectively. If you or someone you know is dealing with placenta accreta, it’s important to work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes.
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