First, take a breath. Receiving a diagnosis of Placenta Accreta Spectrum can feel overwhelming and frightening. It is completely natural to feel scared, confused, or uncertain right now. This resource was created specifically for people in your situation — to provide clear, honest, and compassionate information so you can move forward with knowledge and confidence.
PAS is a serious condition, but with proper planning, specialized care, and a skilled medical team, the vast majority of patients have positive outcomes. The fact that your condition was identified is already a significant advantage — early detection leads to better results.
Start Here: What is Placenta Accreta Spectrum?
Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) is a condition in which the placenta — the organ that nourishes your baby during pregnancy — attaches too deeply into the wall of the uterus. In a normal pregnancy, the placenta detaches naturally from the uterine wall after delivery. With PAS, part or all of the placenta remains firmly attached, which can cause serious bleeding during or after delivery.
The term "spectrum" is used because PAS encompasses a range of severity. At the mildest end, called placenta accreta, the placenta attaches to the muscle of the uterus but does not invade it. In placenta increta, the placenta grows into the uterine muscle. In the most severe form, placenta percreta, the placenta grows through the uterine wall and may invade nearby organs such as the bladder. Understanding where your condition falls on this spectrum is an important part of planning your care.
PAS is most commonly associated with pregnancies in people who have had one or more prior cesarean deliveries, because the scar tissue from those procedures can affect how the placenta implants. The condition has become significantly more common in recent decades as cesarean delivery rates have increased worldwide. With an experienced, multidisciplinary care team, outcomes are overwhelmingly positive — but early diagnosis and delivery at a specialized center are essential.
Accreta
Placenta attaches to the uterine muscle
Increta
Placenta invades into the uterine muscle
Percreta
Placenta grows through the uterine wall
The spectrum ranges from least to most severe. Approximately 75% of PAS cases are accreta, 15% increta, and 10% percreta.
Key Statistics
Understanding the numbers can help put your diagnosis in context. PAS is uncommon, but it is not rare — and medical knowledge about how to manage it has advanced considerably.
Rising Incidence of PAS Over Time
Data compiled from multiple published studies. Incidence expressed as cases per 1,000 deliveries.
Explore by Topic
Navigate to the section most relevant to you. Each page provides in-depth, referenced information to support your understanding and decision-making.
Understanding PAS
A thorough overview of the condition, its causes, risk factors, classification, and how it affects pregnancy and delivery.
Diagnosis
How PAS is detected through ultrasound and MRI, what imaging signs specialists look for, and the importance of early identification.
Treatment Pathways
Surgical options including cesarean hysterectomy and conservative approaches, timing of delivery, and what to expect before and after surgery.
Risks & Outcomes
Honest, data-driven information on potential complications, blood loss statistics, maternal and neonatal outcomes, and long-term recovery.
Top Hospitals
Leading centers of excellence for PAS treatment, what to look for in a hospital, and how to evaluate a care team's experience.
Fertility Preservation
Options for preserving fertility when facing a PAS diagnosis, including conservative management, and what to discuss with your care team.
Research & Studies
Current research landscape, key published studies, ongoing clinical trials, and emerging approaches to PAS diagnosis and treatment.
Glossary & Resources
Definitions of medical terms you may encounter, links to support organizations, and recommended further reading.
What to Do Next
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with PAS, here are the most important steps to take:
- Confirm the diagnosis with a specialist. If possible, seek evaluation at a center with specific expertise in PAS. Imaging interpretation matters enormously, and experienced teams are significantly better at accurately diagnosing and grading the condition.
- Plan your delivery at a specialized center. Research consistently shows that delivery at a hospital with a multidisciplinary PAS team — including maternal-fetal medicine specialists, experienced surgeons, anesthesiologists, neonatologists, interventional radiologists, and a dedicated blood bank — leads to substantially better outcomes.
- Understand your specific situation. PAS exists on a spectrum, and your particular case may differ significantly from general descriptions. Ask your medical team to explain the severity, location, and implications for your specific pregnancy.
- Build your support system. Connect with other PAS patients through support groups, talk to your partner and family, and do not hesitate to seek mental health support. A PAS diagnosis can be emotionally taxing, and you deserve support throughout this journey.
- Educate yourself — but avoid panic. Reading about PAS can be empowering, but it can also be anxiety-inducing if taken out of context. Focus on information from reputable medical sources and your own care team.
This website is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information presented here is compiled from peer-reviewed research and clinical guidelines but should never replace the professional judgment of your healthcare providers.
Every pregnancy and every case of PAS is unique. Treatment decisions should be made in partnership with your medical team, who can evaluate your specific circumstances, imaging findings, medical history, and personal preferences.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency — including heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or signs of preterm labor — call emergency services or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.