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An alarming report has underscored the critical need for improved detection and management of Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS), a severe pregnancy condition that can lead to life-threatening complications. Recent testimonies from affected women reveal a distressing pattern: many undergo emergency hysterectomies due to undiagnosed PAS, with campaigners urging healthcare authorities to implement better diagnostic protocols.
The Experience of Women Facing PAS
Chloe Robinson, a mother of two, faced a harrowing ordeal during the delivery of her daughter Poppy in July 2024. Following an emergency caesarean section at Burnley Hospital, she lost over five litres of blood due to undiagnosed PAS. Describing the situation as one of “emergency and panic,” Robinson recalled the medical staff’s frantic response to her significant blood loss. Ultimately, she underwent a hysterectomy to control the bleeding, a decision that left her grappling with trauma and profound shock.
Robinson’s case is not isolated; statistics from the campaign group Action for Accreta indicate that 61 per cent of women with PAS are undiagnosed before delivery, and 64 per cent require emergency surgical intervention. The condition arises when the placenta attaches too deeply into the uterine wall, complicating its removal during childbirth and leading to severe haemorrhaging.
The Need for Improved Screening and Training
Healthcare professionals and survivors alike are advocating for increased surveillance and training regarding PAS within maternity services. The current guidelines often fail to adequately prepare expectant mothers for the potential risks they may face during delivery. In many instances, PAS does not present noticeable symptoms, making early diagnosis challenging. Routine ultrasound scans typically identify the condition; however, its detection can be unreliable, necessitating a call for enhanced training for medical staff.
Robinson, who had a history of a previous caesarean and early indications of placenta praevia, lamented the dismissive attitude she encountered during her pregnancy. “I had intermittent bleeding throughout, but medics said you’ve got a low-lying placenta; sometimes it bleeds. It was all dismissed,” she explained. Her experience highlights the critical need for healthcare professionals to be vigilant and proactive in monitoring at-risk patients.
The Impact of Delayed Diagnosis
Other women have shared similar stories of near misses and traumatic experiences due to late or absent diagnoses of PAS. Kimberely Littler, a mother of four from Glasgow, only received urgent care after she voiced concerns about her risk status. Her proactive approach led to an eight-hour surgery that likely saved her life. “It’s very scary how one little decision or me deciding to speak up could have really saved my life,” she remarked, stressing the importance of early intervention and appropriate care.
Katie Buckingham, another affected mother, described her feelings of abandonment during her experience with PAS. Despite being suspected to have the condition, she was not given adequate support or follow-up care, leading to multiple surgeries and ongoing health issues. Her case exemplifies the dire consequences of inadequate medical attention and the need for a more integrated approach to maternal healthcare.
A Response from Health Authorities
In light of these distressing accounts, the East Lancashire Hospitals Trust has committed to revising its protocols to ensure that women identified as high-risk are referred to specialists for active screening of PAS. Chief Nurse Pete Murphy acknowledged the necessity for specialist assessments and improved antenatal diagnosis to mitigate the risks associated with this condition.
Dr Chineze Otigbah, an obstetrician and fetal medicine expert, emphasised that early screening and risk identification are key to preventing emergencies. “It’s not the condition that kills; it’s what happens when you try and mess around with it,” she stated, advocating for better training for sonographers and healthcare providers.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) is also set to update its guidance on PAS, reflecting growing understanding and evidence about the condition. Dr Alison Wright, president of the RCOG, indicated that early identification and appropriate management are vital in reducing complications during pregnancy and delivery.
Why it Matters
The rising awareness of Placenta Accreta Spectrum and the urgent calls for improved diagnostic practices underscore a critical gap in maternal healthcare. As the testimonies of women like Chloe Robinson, Kimberely Littler, and Katie Buckingham reveal, the stakes are incredibly high; inadequate attention to this condition can lead to unnecessary trauma and loss of life. Ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped with the necessary training and resources to identify and manage PAS effectively is not just a matter of protocol—it is a matter of safeguarding the health and well-being of mothers and their children. As the NHS works to enhance care standards, the voices of those affected must remain central to the conversation, driving change and fostering a safer maternity environment for all.
