Adherent placenta

Adherent Placenta is a medical condition that occurs during pregnancy when the placenta attaches itself too deeply into the wall of the uterus. This condition is also known as Placenta Accreta, Placenta Increta, or Placenta Percreta, depending on the severity and depth of the placenta attachment.

Overview

The placenta is an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. It provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby, and removes waste products from the baby's blood. Normally, the placenta detaches from the uterine wall after childbirth. However, in cases of adherent placenta, the placenta remains attached. This can lead to severe bleeding after delivery and can be life-threatening for the mother.

Types

There are three types of adherent placenta, which are classified based on the depth of the placenta's attachment to the uterine wall:

• Placenta Accreta: This is the most common type of adherent placenta. In this condition, the placenta attaches itself too deeply and firmly to the uterine wall, but it does not penetrate the uterine muscle.

• Placenta Increta: In this condition, the placenta further invades into the uterine wall and reaches the uterine muscle.

• Placenta Percreta: This is the most severe form of adherent placenta. The placenta penetrates through the entire uterine wall and can attach to other organs such as the bladder.

Causes

The exact cause of adherent placenta is unknown. However, it is more common in women who have had previous cesarean sections or other uterine surgeries. Other risk factors may include maternal age and conditions such as placenta previa.

Diagnosis

Adherent placenta can be diagnosed during pregnancy through an ultrasound. In some cases, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The primary treatment for adherent placenta is surgery to remove the placenta and any damaged portions of the uterus. In severe cases, a hysterectomy may be necessary.

See Also

• Placenta Previa
• Cesarean Section
• Hysterectomy

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