Placenta Accreta

“Placenta accreta spectrum” covers a range of clinical conditions where the placenta is abnormally attached to the lining of the womb. Usually, the placenta will separate from the lining of the womb after the baby is born. In cases of placenta accreta spectrum, the placenta is deeply attached and therefore does not separate after the birth.

The condition is a rare complication of pregnancy. However, because of many factors, such as more women giving birth by caesarean section and using fertility treatments to get pregnant, placenta accreta is becoming more common.

Women with placenta accreta spectrum will often have a premature delivery of their baby. This may be a planned birth, which is usually between 34-36 weeks gestation, or as an emergency, for example because of bleeding or premature rupture of membranes (waters going early).

To find out more about placenta accreta spectrum, please visit the website of Placenta Accreta Ireland at https://paireland.ie/

Placenta Accreta Ireland is an advocacy and support group for those impacted by placenta accreta spectrum. On their website, you will find more information about placenta accreta spectrum, helpful resources such as their podcast, Accreta & Me and educational videos and details of how to get in touch.