Placenta Accreta: NHS urged to improve maternal safety

Published: 18 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Amisha Adhia has launched a campaign urging the NHS to improve early diagnosis of placenta accreta, highlighting serious gaps in maternity care. Placenta accreta, a rare but potentially fatal pregnancy complication, occurs when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall, obstructing normal separation during childbirth. The condition can trigger catastrophic bleeding within minutes if undetected. Adhia, whose condition was missed by five hospitals, emphasises that timely recognition is essential for saving lives. Early identification of placenta accreta allows specialists to plan delivery safely, avoiding emergency hysterectomies and severe maternal blood loss.

The campaign, named Action for Accreta, was co-founded by Adhia and her husband, Nik, following her harrowing pregnancy experience. Adhia, 36, learned she had placenta accreta only after a consultant obstetrician at Queen’s Hospital in Romford correctly diagnosed her condition. Earlier assessments had falsely assured her of negligible risk because her placenta was high rather than low lying. “I was reassured into danger,” she said. “I felt unheard and feared for both my life and my daughter’s.” Her delivery of Ishaani last September was carefully managed, preventing serious complications despite significant blood loss.

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) primarily affects women with prior caesarean sections or those who have undergone IVF treatment. Experts warn that rates are rising in England as C-section deliveries now outnumber vaginal births slightly, at 45% versus 44%. Current NHS estimates suggest that between one in 300 and one in 2,000 pregnancies are affected, though the true prevalence may be higher, as evidenced by international studies indicating one in 111 pregnancies could involve PAS. Lack of consistent national recording means exact figures are unavailable, leaving many women vulnerable.

Adhia’s campaign has attracted widespread support from maternity and maternal health organisations. Birthrights, the Birth Trauma Association, and major charities like Tommy’s and Sands have endorsed the initiative. Their joint statements highlight gaps in awareness, surveillance, and learning surrounding serious pregnancy complications, advocating for improved diagnosis, monitoring, and training for clinicians. Adhia and Nik also provided testimony to Valerie Amos’s inquiry into maternity care, requesting NHS guidelines explicitly address atypical forms of placenta accreta.

Dr Chineze Otigbah, the consultant obstetrician who diagnosed Adhia, warns that insufficient specialist coverage in hospitals increases the risk of PAS being overlooked. “The main risk factors are rising C-section rates and IVF treatments, yet NHS practices have not fully adapted to this reality,” she said. Adhia’s experience of being repeatedly dismissed by multiple hospitals underscores the urgent need for comprehensive training in identifying the condition.

Placenta accreta occurs when the placenta embeds too deeply in the uterine wall, sometimes covering or blocking the cervix. Without anticipation, the separation of the placenta during birth becomes extremely difficult, often leading to severe haemorrhage. Emergency hysterectomy is frequently required, and maternal mortality can result from rapid blood loss. Early detection via imaging scans and specialist oversight is critical to manage delivery safely and reduce risks to both mother and child.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) notes that PAS, including placenta praevia, is associated with high maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Their guidance confirms that prevalence is increasing due to higher maternal age, assisted reproductive technologies, and C-section rates. RCOG plans to update its guidelines later this year, emphasising the importance of specialist teams in hospitals equipped to manage high-risk pregnancies.

Despite public concern, NHS England has not directly responded to campaign demands. Prof Donald Peebles, national clinical director for maternity, highlighted that while PAS is rare, it can cause life-threatening haemorrhage, making early identification of high-risk women crucial. Maternity teams receive training to identify warning signs, and patients with prior C-sections are referred to specialist centres as necessary. However, the lack of nationwide data recording leaves some women at risk of being overlooked.

Amisha Adhia and her husband stress that raising awareness of PAS could prevent future tragedies. Their campaign seeks to influence updated NHS guidance, ensuring that even atypical cases are recognised promptly. Adhia recalls how early misdiagnosis left her feeling ignored and endangered, a scenario she believes is not unique. Around 40 women have contacted the couple after experiencing undiagnosed placenta accreta during pregnancy or labour, demonstrating the pressing need for improved detection and care.

Medical experts reiterate that identifying PAS before labour is vital. Planned delivery in specialised settings with multidisciplinary teams greatly reduces maternal and neonatal complications. Advances in ultrasound imaging, MRI scans, and collaborative obstetric protocols offer a pathway to safer pregnancies for women at risk. Public campaigns like Action for Accreta aim to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and patient awareness, promoting timely diagnosis and empowering women to seek second opinions when necessary.

As the NHS prepares updated guidelines, the Adhias continue their advocacy for systemic change. Their story highlights how rare pregnancy complications can be missed, and the consequences of under-recognition can be life-threatening. The campaign underscores the urgent need for better education among healthcare professionals, robust monitoring systems, and the inclusion of atypical PAS presentations in standard maternal health protocols.

In conclusion, Action for Accreta shines a spotlight on the importance of recognising placenta accreta early, ensuring appropriate specialist care, and preventing avoidable maternal morbidity and mortality. As more women undergo C-sections and IVF procedures, the campaign warns that undiagnosed PAS will continue to pose significant risks unless systemic improvements are implemented across NHS maternity services. Amisha Adhia’s experience serves as a powerful call for vigilance, proactive diagnosis, and comprehensive support for at-risk mothers.

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