A Campaign for Improved Diagnosis of a Life-Threatening Childbirth Condition
Amisha Adhia, after being misdiagnosed by five hospitals, is launching a campaign to urge the NHS to enhance the diagnosis of placenta accreta, a rare but potentially fatal complication of childbirth. This condition poses a significant risk to pregnant women who have previously undergone cesarean sections or IVF treatments.
If not identified before labor, women may face emergency hysterectomies or severe bleeding. The NHS estimates that between one in 300 and one in 2,000 women develop placenta accreta, but the actual numbers are likely higher due to the rise in cesarean sections and other factors. Doctors warn that the risk is increasing, as more babies in England are born via C-section (45%) compared to vaginally (44%).
Adhia, who suffered severe bleeding during her C-section, experienced a harrowing journey. She was repeatedly reassured that her risk was minimal due to her placenta's position, but it was deeply invasive. This led her to feel unheard and feared for her life. Her experience prompted her and her husband to raise awareness about the condition.
The couple's campaign has received support from various organizations, including Birthrights and the Birth Trauma Association. They have also given evidence to an inquiry into maternity care in England, urging the NHS to take action. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) acknowledges the increasing prevalence of placenta accreta and its associated risks, emphasizing the importance of early identification through pregnancy scans and follow-up imaging.
The RCOG is updating its guidelines to include advice on diagnosing and managing the atypical form of placenta accreta, which Adhia had. The NHS, however, has not fully addressed the concerns, and the lack of recorded data makes it challenging to understand the true extent of the issue.
