Symptoms of Placenta Previa
Placenta previa, a common complication that can occur alongside placenta accreta, often manifests with noticeable symptoms. One of the main symptoms of placenta previa is vaginal bleeding, which can range from light spotting to heavy bleeding. This bleeding may occur during the second or third trimester of pregnancy and can be intermittent or continuous. Women with placenta previa may also experience painless contractions or uterine cramping.
In some cases of placenta percreta, a severe form of placenta accreta that involves the bladder, women may also experience additional symptoms. These can include abdominal pain or discomfort, as well as blood in the urine. However, it’s important to note that placenta accreta itself typically does not present with any noticeable symptoms and is often detected during a routine ultrasound.
Causes of Placenta Accreta
Placenta accreta is a condition whose exact cause is not yet fully understood. However, the prevailing hypothesis suggests that it arises from abnormalities in the interface between the endometrium and the myometrium. These abnormalities lead to the formation of scar tissue, which in turn allows the placenta to attach itself deeper into the uterine wall than it normally would. Despite this hypothesis, it remains unclear why placenta accreta can occur in women who have no history of uterine surgery, scarring, or previous pregnancies.