A woman with placenta previa and three previous lower segment cesarean sections is undergoing elective repeat cesarean delivery. Her risk of placenta accreta spectrum in this pregnancy is closest to:
- A Approximately 5 percent
- B Approximately 40 percent ✓
- C Approximately 15 percent
- D Approximately 90 percent
Correct answer: B. Approximately 40 percent
Explanation
The risk of morbidly adherent placenta rises sharply with each cesarean, and in the setting of placenta previa reaches roughly 40 percent with three prior sections, approaching 60 percent or more with four or more. This steep gradient underlies the recommendation for antenatal imaging and delivery planning at a center with blood bank and interventional radiology support. Five percent corresponds to women with previa and no prior surgery.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.