O43: Placental disorders

O43.2: Morbidly adherent placenta

The Morbidly adherent placenta is a serious pregnancy complication where the placenta, which is the organ that nourishes the baby in the womb, attaches too deeply and firmly into the uterus wall. Under normal circumstances, after childbirth, the placenta is supposed to detach from the uterus and be expelled from the body. However, in this condition, the placenta stubbornly stays attached. This abnormal attachment may involve just the surface of the uterus or it may penetrate the entire wall of the uterus, potentially leading to severe and life-threatening postpartum bleeding. The exact cause is unclear, but it is more common in women who have had previous pregnancies, caesarean deliveries, or surgical procedures involving the uterus. Symptoms may not be evident until the time of delivery, but sometimes prenatal ultrasound can detect signs of the condition. Morbidly adherent placenta requires careful management by a healthcare provider to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.