Amisha Adhia is spearheading a campaign aimed at raising awareness about placenta accreta spectrum, a serious condition that can arise during childbirth, particularly in women who have had prior caesarean sections or IVF treatments. Her push comes after five hospitals failed to correctly diagnose her condition, which is crucial as undetected placenta accreta can lead to life-threatening complications, such as severe hemorrhaging during labor or the necessity of an emergency hysterectomy. Health professionals highlight the increasing risk of this condition due to the rising number of cesarean births in England, where 45% of births are now cesareans.

The statistics shared by the NHS indicate that the incidence of placenta accreta ranges from one in 300 to one in 2,000 women, suggesting a growing concern as more women undergo surgical births. Adhia, who has launched the Action for Accreta campaign with her husband, underscores the urgency of addressing this oversight in prenatal care. She emphasizes that rapid diagnosis is critical to prevent catastrophic consequences during childbirth, advocating for improved training and protocols for healthcare providers to recognize the signs of this potentially fatal condition.

The campaign is not only aimed at educating healthcare professionals but also seeks to empower women with knowledge about their health risks associated with past pregnancies. With a significant number of women facing increased risks as a result of prior cesarean sections, Adhia’s efforts could lead to vital changes in how childbirth complications are handled in the NHS, potentially saving lives by ensuring earlier and more accurate diagnoses of placenta accreta spectrum.