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A growing number of women across the UK are speaking out about their harrowing experiences with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), a rare yet serious pregnancy complication that has led to life-threatening emergencies and significant psychological trauma. Following the launch of an awareness campaign in February, these women have shared their stories, highlighting alarming gaps in the detection and treatment of this condition within the National Health Service (NHS). As medical professionals struggle to identify PAS, many mothers are facing severe consequences, including emergency hysterectomies and lasting physical and emotional scars.
The Silent Crisis of Placenta Accreta Spectrum
Placenta accreta spectrum occurs when the placenta attaches too deeply to the uterine wall, complicating delivery and posing risks of excessive bleeding. A history of cesarean sections and assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), are known to increase the likelihood of this condition. With an estimated 61% of women in a recent study reporting undiagnosed PAS, the campaigners from Action for Accreta have gathered testimonies that reveal a concerning trend of overlooked diagnoses and inadequate care protocols.
Erin Cooper, a Bedfordshire resident, experienced this firsthand when she began bleeding heavily at 26 weeks into her pregnancy. Despite repeated visits to medical professionals, she was never assessed for PAS. “What I didn’t know, what no one had diagnosed, was that my placenta was abnormally and dangerously attached,” she explained. Following an emergency C-section at 33 weeks, Erin lost an astonishing 4.5 litres of blood and was forced to undergo a hysterectomy. The psychological aftermath has left her with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that has drastically altered her life and career as a theatre nurse.
The Human Cost of Misdiagnosis
Chloe Robinson’s experience further illustrates the devastating impact of misdiagnosis. Admitted to hospital at 34 weeks due to heavy bleeding, it was only during surgery that doctors discovered her PAS. She faced a life-threatening situation that resulted in a hysterectomy and her daughter suffering a stroke during childbirth, leading to cerebral palsy. “If they had found the condition before, none of this may have happened,” she lamented, underscoring the critical importance of timely diagnosis.
Cerri-Anne Almond, who had her PAS identified only during her C-section in 2021, echoed the sentiments of many. “I’m one of the lucky ones,” she said, highlighting the need for improved awareness and training among healthcare professionals. “The stories in this dossier are a devastating read. Hearing these accounts has exposed dangerous gaps in maternity care,” said Amisha Adhia, who co-founded the Action for Accreta campaign after her own struggle with undiagnosed PAS.
Systemic Issues in Maternity Care
The narratives collected by the campaigners reveal a troubling systemic failure within the NHS. With 75% of the 100 reported cases originating from the UK, the lack of centralised data and standardised reporting protocols raises concerns about patient safety. The absence of a national body dedicated to PAS means that essential best practices remain isolated within a few specialist centres, leaving many women vulnerable.
Jeremy Hunt, former health secretary and chair of Westminster’s all-party parliamentary group on patient safety, has called for urgent reforms in how PAS is managed across the NHS. “These stories highlight worrying gaps in how PAS is identified, recorded and managed,” he stated, emphasising the need for a consistent, system-wide approach to improve training and preparedness among healthcare providers.
A Call to Action
In response to the growing outcry, the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the importance of these women’s experiences and committed to addressing systemic issues in maternity care. Recent investments, including £149 million aimed at improving maternity safety and the recruitment of over 2,000 additional midwives, are steps in the right direction. However, campaigners argue that unless PAS is included on maternity dashboards and guidelines are updated, the healthcare system will continue to fail women at a critical time in their lives.
Why it Matters
The stories of these women serve as a wake-up call for the NHS and society at large. The psychological and physical toll of undiagnosed placenta accreta spectrum is not just an individual tragedy; it reflects broader systemic failings in maternal care. As awareness grows, it is imperative that healthcare authorities take decisive action to ensure that no woman has to endure the trauma of misdiagnosis and inadequate care during one of the most vulnerable times in her life. The time for change is now, and it is essential that lessons are learnt to safeguard future generations of mothers and their children.
