The need for transfusion of blood products is frequent, and surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) is sometimes required to control life-threatening bleeding.

The condition is increased in incidence by the presence of scar tissue i.e. Asherman's syndrome usually from past uterine surgery, especially from a past dilation and curettage,[3] (which is used for many indications including miscarriage, termination, and postpartum hemorrhage), myomectomy,[4] or caesarean section.

When the antepartum diagnosis of placenta accreta is made, it is usually based on ultrasound findings in the second or third trimester.

Sonographic findings that may be suggestive of placenta accreta include: Unfortunately, the diagnosis is not easy and is affected by a significant interobserver variability.

[11] In doubtful cases it is possible to perform a nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI) of the pelvis, which has a very good sensitivity and specificity for this disorder.

[13] Although there are isolated case reports of placenta accreta being diagnosed in the first trimester or at the time of abortion <20 weeks' gestational age, the predictive value of first-trimester ultrasound for this diagnosis remains unknown.

The exact incidence of maternal mortality related to placenta accreta and its complications is unknown, but it is significant,[14] especially if the urinary bladder is involved[15] Treatment may be delivery by caesarean section and abdominal hysterectomy if placenta accreta is diagnosed before birth.