Pregnancy is a complex phenomenon that is at times accompanied by unexpected complications. One such rare but serious condition is placenta accreta, where the placenta grows into the uterus in an abnormal manner. Without even showing any symptoms, this problem must be diagnosed in the early stages and with specialised care to ensure the lives of both mother and child.
This article provides a clear overview of the symptoms, types, causes, and most effective Placenta accreta treatment options.
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During normal pregnancy, the placenta is firmly attached to the uterine wall and can be removed easily at delivery. During placenta accreta, the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall. Abnormal attachment in this condition makes it difficult or impossible for the placenta to be naturally detached during delivery, leading to life-threatening problems such as heavy bleeding.
The condition falls under a category known as "abnormally invasive placentation" and is most commonly identified by routine prenatal imaging, even in the absence of any placenta accreta symptoms.
Placenta accreta is divided according to the depth of invasion of the placenta into the uterine wall:
The placenta implants too far into the uterine wall, but not through the muscle layer. It is the most prevalent and mildest type.
The placenta infiltrates the muscular uterine layer, so its separation is more complex and dangerous.
The most severe type, in this case, the placenta extends right through the uterine wall and can invade adjacent organs such as the bladder.
It is essential to determine the type when planning placenta accreta treatment, as it will dictate the level of intervention required during delivery.
Placenta accreta symptoms are not generally apparent in early pregnancy. It's usually found on a second or third-trimester ultrasound or MRI scan. Certain signs, though, that might be concerning are:
Since placenta accreta symptoms may be mild or even absent, regular scans and proper prenatal evaluation are essential.
A variety of factors may contribute to the development of placenta accreta:
Scar tissue from previous surgeries may interfere with normal placental attachment.
When the placenta lies over the cervix, it raises the risk of abnormal attachment.
Including fibroid surgery, dilation and curettage (D&C), or prior hysteroscopies.
Women older than 35 are at greater risk.
Artificial reproduction can affect placental placement and attachment.
Having these risks in mind, healthcare professionals can closely watch out for at-risk pregnancies and prepare for proper placenta accreta treatment.
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You might ask, How common is placenta accreta?
Based on statistics from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG), placenta accreta happens in about 1 in 272 pregnancies, and increasing rates are due to the increasing incidence of C-sections around the world.
It is more likely to happen in women with multiple cesarean sections or those with placenta previa, so early detection becomes increasingly valuable among high-risk populations.
Early detection is crucial in the treatment of this potentially life-threatening condition. Equipment employed includes:
A thorough ultrasound can frequently diagnose abnormal placental attachment by the second trimester.
MRI gives more detailed imaging and assists in verifying the degree of placental invasion.
Particularly so for women with prior uterine surgery or a history of placenta previa.
Early detection enables doctors to tailor the placenta accreta treatment plan and a safe delivery plan.
There is no treatment for placenta accreta while pregnant, but proper management can greatly improve the outcome.
Placenta accreta treatment most often involves:
Usually, a C-section is performed at 34-36 weeks in order to prevent complications brought about by labour.
In the majority of instances, the uterus is removed surgically during delivery to avoid life-threatening haemorrhage.
Involves obstetricians, anesthesiologists, neonatologists, and sometimes urologists if surrounding organs are involved.
Women can be hospitalised for observation prior to delivery and need close follow-up after delivery.
The objective of treatment is to reduce blood loss and maternal risk, with the baby's health ensured too.
Without appropriate management, placenta accreta is associated with severe maternal complications:
Adequate precautions, despite these risks, are possible with early diagnosis and a thorough placenta accreta treatment plan.
At Cloudnine Hospitals, risky pregnancies such as placenta accreta are treated with world-class expertise and empathy. With cutting-edge diagnostic equipment, NICU care, and the availability of multidisciplinary experts, Cloudnine makes sure that high-risk pregnancies are treated with utmost care and precision.
Cloudnine's patient-centric strategy blends state-of-the-art medical protocols with emotional care services, providing families with confidence and reassurance even in the most complex deliveries. From pre-delivery counselling to post-delivery recuperation, Cloudnine accompanies you through every step.
Placenta accreta is a severe yet controllable pregnancy complication, particularly when diagnosed in a timely manner and treated by a skilled medical team. Although symptoms of placenta accreta are not always apparent, regular prenatal care is especially important for early detection.
So, how prevalent is placenta accreta? It's increasing, particularly in women who have had previous C-sections, but with early detection and a customised placenta accreta treatment strategy, most mothers enjoy healthy newborns.
