Placenta accreta is a serious pregnancy condition where the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall. Normally, the placenta detaches from the uterine wall after childbirth. However, with placenta accreta, part or all of the placenta remains attached. This can cause severe blood loss after delivery. There are different types of this condition, based on how deeply the placenta invades the uterine wall:
1. **Placenta Accreta:** The placenta attaches too deeply but does not penetrate the uterine muscle.
2. **Placenta Increta:** The placenta invades the uterine muscle.
3. **Placenta Percreta:** The placenta penetrates through the uterine wall and attaches to another organ, such as the bladder.
Risk factors for placenta accreta include previous uterine surgery (like a C-section), placenta previa (where the placenta covers the cervix), advanced maternal age, and having multiple pregnancies.