Placenta Accreta Syndrome – A Growing Threat in Modern Pregnancy

Placenta Accreta Syndrome (PAS) has emerged as one of the most serious and life-threatening complications of pregnancy in recent times. It occurs when the placenta — the vital organ that nourishes the baby during pregnancy — grows too deeply into the wall of the uterus and fails to detach after childbirth.

Under normal circumstances, once the baby is delivered, the placenta separates naturally from the uterine wall. However, in Placenta Accreta Syndrome, the placenta remains firmly attached. As a result, even though the baby can be delivered safely, the placenta does not come out easily, leading to heavy bleeding (hemorrhage) that can, in severe cases, become life-threatening.

Why Does Placenta Accreta Happen?

Placenta Accreta is more likely to occur in women who have had:

• Previous cesarean sections (C-sections)

• Fibroid removal surgeries (myomectomy)

• Multiple medical terminations of pregnancy (abortions)

• Intrauterine infections

These conditions can cause scarring or damage to the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium), making it difficult for the placenta to attach normally during a future pregnancy. As a result, the placenta grows abnormally deep, creating complications in its separation after delivery.

Diagnosis and Management

The good news is that Placenta Accreta can often be detected during pregnancy with proper ultrasound and MRI evaluations. Early diagnosis is crucial because it allows the medical team to plan delivery safely.

Women diagnosed with Placenta Accreta should deliver in a tertiary care hospital equipped with a multidisciplinary team — including obstetricians, anesthetists, neonatologists, and critical care specialists. The delivery is usually planned a few weeks before the due date, often around 34 weeks of gestation, to prevent sudden bleeding and ensure both the mother and baby receive the best possible care.

Why Early Planning Matters

Since severe bleeding is a major risk, these deliveries require blood transfusion facilities, surgical expertise, and immediate access to intensive care if needed. With proper planning and coordinated medical support, both maternal and newborn outcomes can be significantly improved.

In Summary

Placenta Accreta Syndrome is a serious condition, but with awareness, early diagnosis, and expert medical care, it can be managed safely. Women with a history of uterine surgery or multiple pregnancies should undergo careful antenatal screening to ensure timely detection and management — protecting both their life and their baby’s.