I had my 20-week ultrasound last week on baby #2, and they found a marginal placenta previa (currently located near the area of my previous c-section scar) and told me I need to be monitored for placenta accreta. My 1st child was breech, so I had to have a c-section. When I got pregnant, I already knew that I'd have another c-section, which my OB says will avoid some of the issues I face with the findings last week. Considering it's going to be a while before we can determine what my fate will be, I was wondering if anyone had any previous experiences with placenta accreta that could tell me their experience, what resulted at delivery, and any issues with recovery? Or, if someone was also at risk of placenta accreta, but it turned out not to happen, can you tell me when you were told you were in the clear? I'd rather be prepared for any situation, so please tell me the nitty gritty.
I have never heard of placenta accreta but I had placenta previa w/ my daughter. It corrected on it's own.
What they had told me was to take it easy. If it didn't correct on it's own, I would end up on bedrest towards the end of my pregnancy and have to have a c-section.
I have never heard of it either but with my last 2 I had Placenta Previa. With my second, it was not a big deal as I had already had a c-section. With my last one, i started spotting about 35 weeks. They did an emergency c-section and the baby was in the NICU for a week. I asked about if I were to get pregnant again (4th c-section) and my doc was fine with it. She said, you won't know until you get pregnant if you will have previa again. You can PM me if you have any questions.
Not placenta accreta, but I had an unexpected retained placenta following the birth of my son. Related, but not exactly the same as what you're facing.
I actually almost needed a c-section post-partum, but this one doc who was very petite and had tiny hands was able to remove it manually. I had some blood loss and was anemic for awhile but otherwise was fine.
Not sure if that speaks to your fate, but OBs do know what they're doing around this stuff. If you have a c-section, they should be able to take care of the placenta as part of the same procedure.
Placenta accreta is a condition in which the placenta grows into the uterine wall (the muscle instead of just the uterine lining). It is rare in the general population, but women who have had a c-section or other uterine surgery previously are at higher risk for it because of the scar tissue present. It is actually becoming more common as more women are having elective c-sections, often multiple times. Every subsequent c-section or surgery will increase that risk.
The most dangerous complication is that the placenta does not separate properly after birth and causes excessive bloodloss. If this happens many surgeons will perform an emergency hysterectomy to save the life of the mother.
I would strongly advise that you go over the emergency protocol with your OB/GYN BEFORE you have your c-section. Ask what the protocol is, ask what measure will be taken if you experience excessive bleeding BEFORE it has to come to a hysterectomy, ask what kind of other procedures YOUR surgeon is proficient in that may save your uterus - especially if more children are in your future plans.
GET A SECOND OPINION! Seriously talk to at least one other surgeon at a different hospital about how they would go about treating possible complications.
The only way you will be cleared is if the placenta moves completely away from your previous scar - which can happen as your uterus grows and stretches. If the placenta remains close to the scar, they will treat you as if you had placenta accreta - even if it is unsure if you actually do have it. Mostly that means having additional blood available at the time of your surgery and having everyone on standby for possible complications.
Hope everything works out for you. Good luck!
