Expectant mothers should be informed of risks of placenta complications

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have released guidelines on the risks of placenta complications, saying that early diagnosis of conditions such as placenta accreta and placenta praevia was crucial.

Placenta praevia occurs when the placenta becomes attached to the lower part of the uterus, sometimes completely blocking the neck of the womb.

Placenta accreta happens when the placenta becomes stuck to the muscle of the uterus or nearby organs such as the bladder.

Both conditions can bring on heavy bleeding, especially near to the final stages of the pregnancy, as the placenta is low down in the uterus, and sometimes require blood transfusions and can lead to the loss of the uterus.

The new guidelines state that the rates of these conditions have increased as a result of the use of assisted reproductive technology, for example IVF, and the rising rates of caesarean births, as potential scars in the uterus can mean that any subsequent pregnancies are more likely to implant in the scar, thereby causing problems with the placenta.

Lead author of the guidelines Professor Eric Jauniaux, said “We hope this updated guidance will support healthcare professionals during discussions with women and their partners who may be considering assisted reproduction, particularly IVF, or an elective caesarean birth.

“These are both risk factors that can increase the risk of developing these serious complications of the placenta.”

Professor Jauniaux went on to say that the guidelines should assist doctors in diagnosing complications early on in the pregnancy and discuss the safest individual birth plans.

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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