Placenta percreta: what patients should know

Normally, the placenta separates from the uterine wall after the baby is born. With percreta, placental tissue extends through the uterine muscle and outer surface. It can be close to, or grow into, the bladder or other pelvic structures. This can make separation dangerous and can cause major bleeding during delivery. Ultrasound may suggest percreta, but the exact extent can remain uncertain before surgery. The diagnosis is not caused by a symptom alone; it is assessed using pregnancy history, imaging, examination, and specialist judgement.

Care is usually arranged in a hospital with experienced obstetric, pelvic surgical, anaesthetic, blood-bank, and newborn teams. Your clinicians may recommend a planned caesarean section followed by hysterectomy, leaving the placenta undisturbed rather than trying to pull it away. They will explain possible urinary-tract procedures, transfusion planning, intensive monitoring, and recovery needs. Bring your medication list and maternity records to appointments, and ask how the plan could change if labour or bleeding starts earlier than expected.

Attend maternity triage urgently for vaginal bleeding, regular contractions, leaking fluid, persistent abdominal or pelvic pain, faintness, or reduced fetal movement. Heavy bleeding, collapse, severe weakness, or trouble breathing is an emergency. Tell the hospital that percreta has been suspected so staff can involve the appropriate team without delay.

Ask whether imaging suggests bladder or other organ involvement, where birth should take place, which surgeons will be present, and whether a hysterectomy is advised. Discuss likely hospital stay, recovery, fertility, urinary symptoms, and the warning signs that need immediate assessment.