Adherent Placenta

Gynecologist Oncologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sema Karakaş: When we talk about an adherent placenta, people often don't really understand what it is. What the placenta is, where it is, what it does; these can be confusing. However, the placenta is the most important connection point between the baby and the mother. Normally, it leaves the uterus spontaneously after birth. But in some pregnancies, this separation does not occur. The placenta sticks to the uterine wall like a root. This is what we call adherent placenta or by its medical name placenta accreta This is usually seen in women with a history of caesarean section or in those who have had previous uterine surgery. Especially if placenta previa If there is also a situation where the placenta closes the cervix, the risk is doubled. Sometimes the placenta adheres so deeply that it can go under the uterine muscle or even into neighboring organs such as the bladder. In this case it is called placenta percreata And why is this dangerous? Because the placenta does not detach at birth and causes very serious, potentially life-threatening bleeding. That's why we want to diagnose this during pregnancy and decide early on how and where the birth will take place. Because these births are not like ordinary births. They have to take place in an organized way, in hospitals where gynecologists, oncologists, anesthesiologists and blood banks are available.The symptoms are usually silent. The mother often has no complaints. It is detected during routine ultrasound checks. That's why we say "there is no pregnancy without follow-up". If your doctor tells you "there is an adhesion in the placenta" or "there may be placenta accreta", please take it seriously. Early diagnosis makes this condition less life-threatening.Remember, adherent placenta does not always mean that the uterus will be removed. But if there is this risk, we need to plan the measures correctly.