Pregnancy can be smooth, but sometimes it can be a roller coaster. With pregnancy, there can be various complications. A common complication of pregnancy is placenta accreta. When you get pregnant, attend all the follow-up visits with your healthcare provider so that they can evaluate you well. To get an expert opinion, you can consult a gynecologist doctor in Lahore.
Here we will tell you about a serious, but treatable pregnancy complication- placenta accreta.
When you get pregnant, your baby gets the nutrition through the placenta. It is embedded in your uterus. And when the child is born, the placenta detaches itself from the uterus and comes out. However, in some cases, the placenta gets deeply embedded in the uterus wall, a condition known as placenta accreta. With it, the blood vessels are also grown deep inside your uterus. Therefore when it detaches, it can result in heavy bleeding or hemorrhage. It can also cause bleeding in the third trimester.
What Causes Placenta Accreta?
As such, there is no exact cause for placenta accreta. However, a cesarean section can increase the chances of it. Other types of uterine surgeries, such as fibroid removal can also increase the chances of it. Having a previous cesarean section can increase the chances of placenta accreta in the next pregnancy. Women who have had a cesarean section are at increased risk of a placenta accreta, compared to those who give birth vaginally.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms of Placenta Accreta?
As such, there are no signs and symptoms of placenta accreta. However, it may cause vaginal bleeding in the third trimester. Your healthcare providers might ask you to refrain from sex.
What Are The Possible Complications of Placenta Accreta?
Having a placenta accreta can increase the risk of bleeding and hemorrhage at the delivery. Sometimes it can also lead to a condition in which your blood does not clot properly, known as a disseminated coagulation disorder. It can also lead to bleeding.
Too much bleeding can lead to shock or multiple organ failure. Your healthcare providers will manage the condition with a blood transfusion and other symptomatic treatment.
How Is Placenta Accreta Treated?
To treat placenta accreta, your healthcare provider will plan the safest mode of delivery. In most cases, they schedule a cesarean section in the 34th week because contractions can increase the bleeding. Not always, but in some cases, your healthcare providers might need to remove the uterus- a procedure known as a hysterectomy. It is done to prevent life-threatening bleeding. That means you can not conceive again. If you have a placenta accreta, you should discuss all the things you have in mind with your doctor. Uterus removal is done to protect your life. Otherwise, it can be a fatal condition.
The Bottom Line
Placenta accreta can be a life-threatening condition. However, your doctors can manage it well. Make sure you get checked by your healthcare provider on time, especially when pregnant. To get an expert opinion, you can visit Altamash General Hospital.
