Placenta Accreta Spectrum
Placenta accreta is a condition that occurs when the placenta abnormally attaches to the uterus. There are three different levels based on how deep the attachment becomes:
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- Accreta: The placenta attaches itself too deeply and too firmly into the uterus
- Increta: The placenta attaches itself even more deeply into the muscle wall of the uterus
- Percreta: The placenta attaches itself and grows through the uterus, sometimes extending to nearby organs, such as the bladder
According to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, there are approximately 3 cases of placenta accreta per 1,000 deliveries.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms can include pain and bleeding during pregnancy, but sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Diagnosis typically occurs during an ultrasound in the second or third trimester.
Risk Factors and Treatment
The primary risk factor for developing placenta accreta is a previous C-section, with risk level increasing with each additional C-section. Maternal age, pregnancy with multiples, history of smoking, other previous uterine surgeries and certain chronic disorders can also increase your risk for developing placenta accreta.
Treatment typically includes a hysterectomy to remove the uterus following delivery.
Woman’s maternal-fetal medicine physician Dr. Pamela Simmons has a special interest and expertise in treating patients with placenta accreta. Learn More about Dr. Simmons and her background in caring for patients with placenta accreta.
One Patient’s Story
Woman’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine has satellite clinics across Louisiana to help treat more high-risk pregnancy cases. Locations include Lake Charles, Thibodaux, Hammond, Covington and Monroe.
Brittany Keen, a patient from West Monroe, La., recently was cared for by Woman’s MFM doctors at the satellite clinic in Monroe and delivered her baby at Woman’s Hospital due to placenta accreta. Read more about Brittany’s story on the Woman’s Hospital Blog.