Placenta Accreta Spectrum happens when the placenta lands on and grows into a scar with the uterus (womb), making separation at the time of birth difficult. Placenta Accreta Spectrum is commonly found in women with a Placenta Praevia (placenta that covers the cervix) who have had a previous Caesarean Section.
The International Federation of Gynaecology & Obstetrics (FIGO) have created standardised diagnostic criteria and terminology for the three grades of Placenta Accreta Spectrum. These grades are:
- FIGO 1
- FIGO 2
- FIGO 3a
- 3b
- 3c
The different grades of Placenta Accreta Spectrum have different outcomes and require different variations of management, with varying risk of severe bleeding, complications and need for a surgical intervention. The removal of the womb, known as a Hysterectomy, may be required in order to prevent or stop severe bleeding.