Placenta accreta in ultrasound: what to know

The placenta normally attaches to the inside of the uterus and separates after birth. With placenta accreta spectrum, it can attach more deeply. An ultrasound report may describe an irregular boundary between placenta and uterus, changes in placental texture, or increased blood flow near the placenta and bladder.

These signs are clues rather than a promise of what will happen. Image quality, pregnancy stage, placental position and the reader's experience affect interpretation. Your history, including previous caesarean births or uterine procedures, is considered alongside the scan.

Request an explanation of the report in plain language and ask whether a specialist should review the images. Continue planned monitoring and tell the team about any vaginal bleeding, pain or contractions. Keep a clear record of the hospital's daytime and overnight contact route.

When accreta remains a concern, the maternity team may arrange birth where obstetric surgery, anaesthesia, blood-bank support and newborn care are available. A caesarean section may be part of the plan. Hysterectomy can also be discussed if removing the placenta would be unsafe.

Call your maternity unit promptly for any vaginal bleeding, even if it is light or stops, and report cramps or contractions. Seek emergency help for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe pain, pronounced weakness, breathing difficulty or reduced fetal movement. Use the emergency route provided by your maternity team.

Ask which ultrasound features were present, whether the placenta is low, how certain the interpretation is, and whether another scan or specialist review is needed. Ask how the findings affect your birth location, caesarean planning and the possibility of hysterectomy.