What is the potential complication associated with placenta increta?

Placenta increta is a specific type of placental abnormality where the chorionic villi invade into the myometrium, or the muscle layer of the uterus. This invasive growth can compromise the uterine integrity and can lead to significant complications during and after delivery.

The primary concern with placenta increta is that it can result in a failure of the placenta to detach properly from the uterine wall after birth. This can lead to heavy bleeding, known as postpartum hemorrhage, and may result in the need for surgical interventions, including a hysterectomy, to control the bleeding.

While there are other complications associated with placenta increta, such as the potential for uterine rupture or increased risks of infection, the defining characteristic of this condition is the invasive growth of the placenta into the uterine muscle. This invasive nature is what differentiates placenta increta from other placental attachment anomalies, like placenta previa or accreta, each of which has its own risk profile and management challenges. Thus, the invasive growth is the hallmark of placenta increta, making it the correct choice in identifying the potential complication associated with this condition.