A Grave Condition Caused by C‑Sections Is on the Rise

Placenta accreta, a life‑threatening disorder in which the placenta grows into scar tissue left by a previous cesarean delivery, is becoming far more common than it once was. In a normal pregnancy the placenta detaches cleanly from the uterine wall after birth, but with accreta part or all of the organ remains firmly attached, often leading to massive hemorrhage and severe maternal complications.Historically the condition was exceedingly rare—affecting roughly 1 in 600 pregnancies. Recent data, however, show a steady climb in incidence, now approaching 1 in 500 births in the United States. The surge mirrors the rise in cesarean section rates over the past few decades; each additional C‑section markedly increases a woman’s risk.Key risk factors include: - Prior cesarean deliveries – the more surgeries, the higher the likelihood of accreta. - Placenta previa (when the placenta covers the cervix) – especially when combined with previous C‑sections. - Advanced maternal age, multiparity, and obesity. - Other uterine surgeries or conditions such as fibroid removal, Asherman’s syndrome, or intra‑uterine adhesions.When placenta accreta is present, the placenta’s abnormal attachment can cause uncontrolled bleeding during delivery. In many severe cases a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is required to save the mother’s life, ending any future fertility and often leaving lasting emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and grief.Because the condition does not affect fetal development, the baby is usually born healthy, but the mother faces a dramatically increased risk of severe morbidity and even mortality. Management involves careful prenatal screening—especially for women with known risk factors—followed by delivery in a tertiary center equipped for massive transfusion protocols and surgical expertise.The growing prevalence of placenta accreta underscores the need for heightened awareness among both patients and healthcare providers. Reducing unnecessary cesarean deliveries, improving early detection, and planning appropriate delivery strategies are essential steps toward limiting the impact of this dangerous obstetric complication.