Placenta accreta

Placenta accreta occurs when the placenta (afterbirth), grows into the uterine wall during pregnancy. Normally after childbirth, the placenta separates from the uterine wall, but with placenta accreta it remains attached.

The condition often occurs without symptoms, and cannot be prevented. However, it is sometimes possible to detect during pregnancy using ultrasound.

Penn Medicine provides high-quality, coordinated care to treat placenta accreta and spectrum of related conditions. Our experts in maternal-fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, obstetrics and gynecology, anesthesia, neonatology, and radiology work together to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.

There are factors that can increase the risk of placenta accreta including:

• A previous cesarean delivery (C-section) or uterine surgery
• Whether the placenta covers the cervix (placenta previa) or sits in the lower portion of your uterus
• Pregnant person age over 35
• Previous deliveries

Placenta accreta is considered a high-risk complication of pregnancy and can cause the following:

• Excessive bleeding before, during, or after delivery that may require a blood transfusion and a stay in the intensive care unit
• Preterm delivery
• A prolonged hospital stay, possibly before delivery
• Hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) which prevents future childbearing
• Surgical injury to organs including the intestines, bladder, and ureter

Depending on their gestational age at the time of delivery, your baby may also need to stay in our neonatal intensive care nursery (ICN). The ICN is staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants from The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) who specialize in infant intensive care.

Penn Medicine’s team of experts will create individualized plans before, during, and after your delivery. This helps ensure the best possible outcomes for you and your baby.

Penn Medicine's Placenta Accreta Spectrum Center of Excellence at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) provides comprehensive, specialized care for expectant parents with placenta accreta. Our center brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts in maternal-fetal medicine, high-risk pregnancies, gynecologic oncology, and neonatology specialists to create individualized care plans for you before, during, and after childbirth. We ensure seamless coordination of your care, careful delivery planning, and 24/7 support to address your needs.