INSTAGRAM / KIM KARDASHIAN
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West – who already have four-year-old North and two-year-old Saint – chose to hire a surrogate to help them extend their family.
The power couple welcomed their third baby on Monday, saying they were “incredibly grateful” to their surrogate.
The post on Kim’s app said: “She’s here! We’re so in love”.
She added that the baby was born on January 15 and weighed 7lbs 6oz.
Here is everything you need to know about placenta accreta – the condition which Kim is suffering with.
INSTAGRAM / KIM KARDASHIAN
Why is Kim Kardashian using a surrogate?
It has been reported that the reason the couple have used a surrogate is that she suffers from the life-threatening placenta accreta.
The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star has had various pregnancy difficulties while pregnant with her children, including infertility and pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure).
Kim has said: “If the two doctors that I trust have told me it wouldn’t be safe for me to get pregnant again, I have to listen to that.
“But because I don't know anyone that has been a surrogate or used one, I didn't really think about that as an option for me.”
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What is placenta accreta?
Placenta accreta is a condition where the placenta grows deeply into the uterus – making it impossible to detach after delivery.
The placenta usually attaches itself to the uterine wall – but in this case it happens too deeply.
This is a serious condition in which the blood vessels and other parts of the placenta grows deeply and invades the muscles of the uterus.
This high-risk pregnancy complication can cause devastating bleeding which may lead to premature delivery.
The major risk associated with placenta accreta is severe vaginal bleeding (haemorrhage) after delivery which may lead to your blood failing to clot, respiratory distress syndrome or kidney failure.
One in 2,500 pregnancies experience placenta accreta.
“Placenta accreta is a serious, potentially life threatening condition in pregnancy”
Dr Renee Hoenderkamp
What are the symptoms of placenta accreta?
Generally placenta accreta is difficult to detect during pregnancy because it causes no signs or symptoms.
However, vaginal bleeding in the third trimester is possible.
Often placenta accrete is detected during a routine ultrasound.
Dr Renee Hoenderkamp said: “Placenta accreta is a serious, potentially life threatening condition in pregnancy.”
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What causes placenta accreta?
The specific cause of placenta accrete boggles the minds of scientists – but it is thought to be related to placenta previa and previous caesarean deliveries.
Placenta previe means your placenta is lying unnaturally low in your uterus.
Around 5-10% of women who experience placenta previe also get placenta accreta.
A pregnancy resulting in a caesarean section also increases the risk of developing placenta accrete in a future pregnancy.
The more c-sections a woman has – the bigger the risk of developing placenta accrete.
Dr Renee also adds that it can be down to scarring of the uterus wall.
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What are the treatments for placenta accreta?
Nothing can be done in order to prevent placenta accreta.
There is generally little that can be done once a woman has been diagnosed with placenta accreta.
However, a health care provider will provide you the best plan of action to reduce the risks.
In some cases, a c-section followed by surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) may be necessary.