Can "Placenta Accreta" be seen in an ultrasound?

Question

I am 18 weeks pregnant and was diagnosed with "Complete Placenta Previa" when I was around 12 weeks pregnant. Next week I'll have an ultrasound done to see how things are going, my doc. told me that in most cases previas resolves on their own, but I am concern, because I have a Complete previa wich is the worst of all of them. Thank God I haven't had any bledding yet. I've been doing a lot of reading about this problem, and I read that one of the problems I may face is having placenta accreta, it's a very scary thing because of all the bledding involved and possible hysterectomy (Please God don't let that happen). BTW my main concern right now (along with everything else) is having placenta accreta when I give birth. Is there a way that they can see the placenta accreta in a u/s? thanks in advance. God bless!

I had a C-section with my son, this is my second pregnancy.

Answer 1

Placenta accreta is so rare that most sonographers are not familiar with it. have a level two ultrasound with a pernatologist consult to rule this out. If you wan t to be absolutely sure to rule it out, this is what you must do.

Answer 2

Placenta Accreta Ultrasound

Answer 3

Yes there is a real risk of acreta especially if you have had a previous c/s

PLACENTAE NEVER MOVE
A placenta is buried into your uterine wall and cant uproot and move
If it is currently over the cervix it will not move, however, if it is low lying then it may stretch as your uterus grows and clear the danger area, this is what your doctor means


Generally you can see some degrees of acreta but not all and some do catch us unawares

Most obsgyn will have a surgeon specialising in gynaecology on standby for your delivery especially if your a booked C/Section to make sure the acreta doesnt involve a hysterectomy as well (taking your uterus) They will try with all effort not to take your uterus as this is generally a last ditch effort when we cant stem the blood flow or cant separate the placenta from the uterus.

Most importantly you need to focus on the positive outcomes of praevia as this is your only diagnosis at this point in time, and discuss the acreta risks with the doc..

Hearten yourself you will have two beautiful children if the worse case happens and it makes you no less of a woman if it does.
Ultimately the only reason the doc would do this is because if he didnt you would haemmorhage to death and this is far more tragic for your partner and children than no uterus.

Stay positive, remember all the worrying you do passes through to the babe
Talk to your doctor
take care of yourself

Answer 4

Especially with the placenta previa being diagnosed so early in your pregnancy there is a very good chance that as your uterus grows that the placenta will move up.

Have you had another u/s since then? Chances are that you'll be monitored more closely throughout your pregnancy to verify that the placenta moves.

Placenta acreta is very rare and scary. It is more likely if you already have a previous Cesarean and the placenta implants above where the scar is. That is where the risk of having a placenta previa increases your chances of placenta accreta. Because most cesareans are a low transverse incision and that is right where the placenta is in a case of placenta previa.

And to answer your question, yes they should be able to see placenta acreta on the ultrasound.

Good luck to you. I know the thought of having a possible complication is very scary. But you have a very good chance of having the placenta move on its own.

Answer 5

yes they can see it on the u/s. tell your doctor your concerns. they will tell you everything you need to know. good luck and congrats i pray all goes well for you and your little one