Reducing unnecessary C-sections reduces some risks

During my first and only pregnancy four years ago, I developed a condition called placenta accreta.

Accreta is an incredibly dangerous complication that occurs when the placenta–the organ that my body grew to feed my baby in utero – embeds itself too deeply in the uterine wall. Ultimately, I needed a blood transfusion, emergency interventions, and a hysterectomy to survive my pregnancy.

Most patients who develop placenta accreta have one or more risk factors – the most common of which is one or more prior Cesarean, or C-section. Every Csection increases a woman’s risk for accreta in a subsequent pregnancy.

April is Cesarean Awareness Month, and I want expecting moms to know their birth options. Cesareans can be life-saving procedures for moms and babies.

However, experts estimate that as many as half of C-sections performed in the U.S. could be safely avoided. One in 272 pregnancies now result in accreta like mine, primarily because of increased Cesareans. I want fewer moms to experience birth trauma from this condition.

Learn more by visiting the National Accreta Foundation at preventaccreta.org/cam.

Joree Novotny, Volunteer Board Member, National Accreta Foundation