Placenta percreta, a severe obstetric condition often linked to prior cesareans, can be fatal without early diagnosis and coordinated care, Dr. Buchade warned, stressing the importance of timely medical intervention
Published Jun 11, 2025 | 7:06 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 11, 2025 | 7:06 PM
Pregnancy. Representative image.
Synopsis: In a rare high-risk pregnancy case, timely intervention at Vasavi Hospital saved both mother and baby. Diagnosed with placenta percreta and fetal growth restriction, the patient received advanced care from Dr. Nisha Buchade, who managed her anemia and extended the pregnancy safely. Initially advised early delivery elsewhere, the mother instead underwent a successful cesarean at 36 weeks under expert supervision
In a rare and potentially fatal case of pregnancy complication, timely diagnosis and expert intervention at Vasavi Hospital helped save both mother and child.
The patient, diagnosed with placenta percreta—a severe and life-threatening condition—underwent a successful delivery under the care of senior obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Nisha Buchade and her team.
Initially advised to undergo a Caesarean section at 28 weeks by another hospital, the patient sought a second opinion from Dr. Buchade.
Upon evaluation, she was found to be severely anemic, with hemoglobin levels at 8 g/dL, and her fetus showed signs of Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR), a condition where the baby is smaller than expected for the gestational age.
Dr. Buchade initiated an aggressive medical management plan, including iron therapy and medications to improve fetal development.
Over six weeks, the mother’s hemoglobin improved to 11.4 g/dL and the fetus’s weight increased to 2 kg, allowing the pregnancy to be safely carried to 36 weeks.
However, another challenge emerged when the patient was diagnosed with previously undetected gestational diabetes. Her blood sugar levels were brought under control with insulin therapy ahead of the planned cesarean.
During the delivery, the surgical team discovered that the placenta had completely invaded the lower uterine segment and adhered to the bladder—a classic presentation of placenta percreta. “Any misstep could have caused catastrophic bleeding,” Dr. Buchade explained.
An emergency cesarean was carried out with precision. The baby was quickly delivered and stabilized, while the team immediately proceeded with a pre-planned hysterectomy to prevent hemorrhage.
Despite the complexity, no damage occurred to the bladder or surrounding organs.
“This was a high-risk case where anticipation and multidisciplinary planning were key. We had been preparing for weeks, and thankfully, both mother and baby are now doing well,” said Dr. Buchade.
The patient spent a short period under observation in the High Dependency Unit and was discharged on the third day. She has since made a full recovery.
Placenta percreta is among the most dangerous obstetric conditions, typically associated with prior cesarean deliveries. Dr. Buchade emphasized that without prompt diagnosis and coordinated care, the outcome could have been fatal.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
