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A recent report has highlighted a severe lack of early diagnosis in women affected by placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), a potentially fatal pregnancy condition that can lead to critical complications during childbirth. Campaigners are urging for improved awareness and training among maternity staff after revealing alarming statistics: 64 per cent of women with PAS require emergency surgical intervention, and 30 per cent undergo life-altering hysterectomies.
A Harrowing Experience
Chloe Robinson, a mother of two, faced an unimaginable ordeal when she lost over five litres of blood following an emergency caesarean section during the birth of her daughter, Poppy, in July 2024. At just 32 years old, Ms Robinson was unaware that she was suffering from PAS, a condition characterised by the placenta growing too deeply into the uterine wall, resulting in severe complications during delivery.
Recalling the traumatic event at Burnley Hospital, Ms Robinson described a scene of chaos as medical personnel rushed to manage her critical blood loss. Although both she and her baby survived, the experience left her grappling with “shock after shock.” She expressed that an earlier diagnosis could have allowed her to mentally and physically prepare for the trauma that ensued.
The Need for Better Detection
The condition affects approximately one in every 272 pregnancies, yet many women remain undiagnosed until the moment of delivery. According to Action for Accreta, a campaign group advocating for better awareness, 61 per cent of women with PAS are not identified before childbirth. This lack of diagnosis can lead to catastrophic outcomes, as timely intervention is critical.
Ms Robinson’s previous medical history, which included a prior caesarean and an early diagnosis of placenta praevia, placed her at a higher risk for PAS. However, despite experiencing intermittent bleeding throughout her pregnancy, her concerns were dismissed by medical staff. “You’re not going to prevent accreta from happening,” she stated, “but the point is trying to minimise the trauma of it.”
Push for Improved Training and Guidelines
Following Ms Robinson’s distressing experience, an internal investigation by East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust concluded that revisions to medical guidelines are necessary. The trust has committed to referring at-risk women to specialist foetal medicine practitioners for proactive screening. Chief Nurse Pete Murphy acknowledged the importance of early detection and the need for enhanced training across maternity services.
Dr Chineze Otigbah, an obstetrician and expert in foetal medicine at Queen’s Hospital, emphasised the necessity of early screening for women with risk factors, such as a history of caesarean deliveries. “It’s not the condition that kills,” she explained, “it’s what happens when you try and manage it without the right information.”
The stories of other mothers, like Kimberely Littler and Katie Buckingham, further illustrate the urgent need for better training among medical professionals. Ms Littler’s life was saved after she self-advocated during her pregnancy, leading to the identification of her PAS. In contrast, Ms Buckingham experienced multiple complications due to a lack of thorough testing and follow-up care after her childbirth.
A New Clinical Guideline on the Horizon
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) is set to update its guidelines on PAS and placenta praevia in June 2026, reflecting the latest evidence regarding early detection and management. Dr Alison Wright, the college president, reaffirmed that improving the understanding and treatment of PAS is essential to preventing serious complications.
Donald Peebles, national clinical director for maternity at NHS England, echoed the sentiment regarding the rarity of PAS, but also the critical need for vigilance. “Identifying women at higher risk early in pregnancy is vital,” he stated, reinforcing the commitment to ensure that every woman receives safe and compassionate care throughout her pregnancy journey.
Why it Matters
The urgency to improve screening and management of placenta accreta spectrum is a call to action for maternity services across the UK. With the potential for life-threatening consequences, the stories of women like Chloe Robinson, Kimberely Littler, and Katie Buckingham underscore the importance of early diagnosis and effective communication between patients and healthcare providers. As awareness grows, it is imperative that healthcare systems adapt to safeguard maternal health and ensure that no woman faces such traumatic experiences in silence.
