When is caesarean section recommended for placenta accreta?

Placenta accreta spectrum means the placenta is attached too deeply to the wall of the womb. Attempting to remove it can cause heavy bleeding, so the team plans the birth around the placenta's location and the mother's health. Ultrasound and specialist review help assess the situation, although the final findings may only become clear during surgery.

A planned caesarean allows an experienced multidisciplinary team to prepare the operating room, anaesthesia, blood products and newborn support. In many cases, the placenta is left in place rather than pulled away. The surgical plan, including whether the womb can be preserved, must be discussed individually.

Keep appointments with the specialist maternity team and ask where your delivery should occur. Share your scan reports and previous operation history, especially previous caesarean or womb surgery. Ask what symptoms should prompt immediate attendance and what recovery support may be needed after birth.

Go to emergency maternity care for vaginal bleeding, contractions, leaking fluid, severe abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting or shortness of breath. Placenta accreta can be associated with serious bleeding, so contact your maternity team promptly even if bleeding is light or stops.

Where is the placenta attached and how certain is the diagnosis? Which specialists will attend the operation? What is the plan for the placenta and womb? How will bleeding, anaesthesia and recovery be managed?