Placenta Accreta: Complete Guide to Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: September 2026
Placenta Accreta: Complete Guide to Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
TL;DR
Placenta accreta is a serious pregnancy condition where the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall and remains attached after delivery. It often causes no symptoms but can lead to severe bleeding during childbirth. Treatment typically involves a planned C-section followed by the surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) to prevent life-threatening blood loss.
Quick Answer
Placenta accreta occurs when the placenta attaches too deeply to the uterine wall and does not separate after birth. It is most common in women who have had previous C-sections or uterine surgeries. While it often causes no symptoms during pregnancy, it can lead to severe bleeding during delivery. Treatment usually requires a planned C-section and a hysterectomy to ensure the safety of the mother.
What Is Placenta Accreta?
Placenta accreta is a serious pregnancy condition that occurs when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall.
Typically, the placenta detaches from the uterine wall after childbirth. However, with placenta accreta, part or all of the placenta remains attached. This condition is considered a high-risk pregnancy complication because it can cause severe blood loss after delivery.
What Are the Symptoms of Placenta Accreta?
Placenta accreta often causes no signs or symptoms during pregnancy. In some cases, it may be detected during a routine ultrasound.
The most common symptom that may occur is vaginal bleeding during the third trimester. If you experience any vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
What Causes Placenta Accreta?
Placenta accreta is thought to be related to abnormalities in the lining of the uterus. This is typically due to scarring left behind after a C-section or other uterine surgery.
However, in some cases, placenta accreta can occur without any history of uterine surgery. The exact mechanism involves the placenta attaching to the scar tissue rather than the normal uterine lining.
Who Is at Risk for Placenta Accreta?
Several factors can increase the risk of developing placenta accreta during pregnancy.
| Risk Factor | Description | |---|---| | Previous uterine surgery | The risk increases with the number of C-sections or other uterine surgeries you have had. | | Placenta position | If the placenta covers the cervix (placenta previa) or sits in the lower portion of the uterus, the risk increases. | | Maternal age | The condition is more common in women older than 35. | | Previous childbirth | The risk increases as your number of pregnancies increases. |
What Are the Complications of Placenta Accreta?
Placenta accreta can cause severe complications during and after delivery.
The most significant complication is heavy vaginal bleeding (hemorrhage). This bleeding can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as a blood clotting disorder (disseminated intravascular coagulopathy), lung failure, and kidney failure. A blood transfusion will likely be necessary to manage the blood loss.
Additionally, placenta accreta might cause labor to begin early, resulting in premature birth. If the condition causes bleeding during pregnancy, you might need to deliver your baby early.
How Is Placenta Accreta Diagnosed?
If you have risk factors for placenta accreta, such as a history of uterine surgery or placenta previa, your healthcare provider will carefully examine the implantation of your baby's placenta.
Diagnosis is typically made through an ultrasound or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). These imaging tests allow healthcare professionals to evaluate how deeply the placenta is implanted in your uterine wall.
How Is Placenta Accreta Treated?
If placenta accreta is suspected, your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a plan to safely deliver your baby.
Planned Delivery and Hysterectomy
In the case of extensive placenta accreta, a C-section followed by the surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) is usually necessary. This procedure, also called a cesarean hysterectomy, helps prevent the potentially life-threatening blood loss that can occur if there's an attempt to separate the placenta.
During the surgery, the baby is delivered through an initial incision in the abdomen and a second incision in the uterus. After the delivery, the uterus is removed with the placenta still attached.
Alternative Treatments
Rarely, the uterus and placenta might be kept intact, allowing the placenta to dissolve over time. However, this approach can have serious complications, including severe vaginal bleeding, infection, and the need for a hysterectomy at a later date.
If you have vaginal bleeding during the third trimester, your healthcare provider might recommend pelvic rest or hospitalization.
Coping and Support
If your healthcare provider suspects that you have placenta accreta, you'll likely worry about how your condition will affect your delivery, your baby, and possibly future pregnancies.
To ease your anxiety:
Find out about placenta accreta: Gathering information about your condition might help you feel less anxious. Talk to your healthcare provider and connect with women who've had placenta accreta.
Prepare for a C-section and hysterectomy: Ask questions about the procedures, pain management, and expectations for recovery.
Take care of yourself: Set aside time for soothing activities that help you relax, such as reading or listening to music. Relaxation techniques, including meditation or deep breathing, may help ease stress.
When to See a Doctor
If you have vaginal bleeding during your third trimester, contact your healthcare provider right away. If the bleeding is severe, seek emergency care immediately.
Often, placenta accreta is suspected after an ultrasound early in pregnancy. You can learn about the condition and develop a plan to manage it at a follow-up visit.
Conclusion
Placenta accreta is a serious condition that requires careful management and a specialized medical team. While it can be frightening, early diagnosis and planned treatment significantly reduce the risks associated with this condition.
If you have risk factors for placenta accreta, such as a history of C-sections, discuss the risks with your healthcare provider early in your pregnancy. They can monitor the position of your placenta and develop a safe delivery plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is placenta accreta?
Placenta accreta is a pregnancy condition where the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall and remains attached after childbirth.
What are the symptoms of placenta accreta?
Placenta accreta often causes no symptoms during pregnancy, but vaginal bleeding during the third trimester can occur.
What causes placenta accreta?
It is typically caused by abnormalities in the uterine lining, often due to scarring from a previous C-section or other uterine surgery.
What are the risk factors for placenta accreta?
Risk factors include previous C-sections, placenta previa, maternal age over 35, and having had multiple previous pregnancies.
How is placenta accreta treated?
Treatment typically involves a planned C-section followed by a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) to prevent severe bleeding.
Can you have a normal delivery with placenta accreta?
No, a normal vaginal delivery is not possible or safe with placenta accreta. A C-section is required.
Does placenta accreta affect future pregnancies?
After a hysterectomy, you can no longer become pregnant. If the uterus is kept intact (which is rare), there is a high risk of recurrent placenta accreta in future pregnancies.
What happens if placenta accreta is not treated?
If not treated properly, placenta accreta can lead to life-threatening blood loss (hemorrhage) after delivery, which may require emergency surgery or a blood transfusion.
Further Reading
Editorial note: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment decisions. Content based on current clinical guidance and published medical sources; reviewed August 2026.
Health information, not medical advice. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your own health, and seek emergency care for urgent symptoms.
Comments