Placenta accreta is a challenging diagnosis under any circumstances. Our hearts are with our pregnant moms who bear the additional burden of being pregnant and giving birth during the global pandemic of COVID-19.

We reached out to leaders in the accreta community to get their thoughts on the situation, here’s what some of them had to say:

“We are still taking full care of our accreta patients - just with a few extra precautions. Deliveries and accreta cases are essential and we will do everything in our power to continue to fight for our accreta moms!”

- Dr. Karin Fox, Clinical Director, Placenta Accreta Spectrum Care Team at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women

“Donating blood is the most concrete action that most people can do to help right now. Helping patients with their anxiety may be the next item. Encouraging them to ask for help when needed is important – therapists and counselors can usually conduct visits through telehealth.”

- Dr. Daniela Carusi, Director of Surgical Obstetrics and Placental Abnormalities at Brigham and Women's Hospital

“It has been a trying time but I know we will get through this. I will continue to devote my efforts to helping vulnerable mothers bring new life into this world.”

- Dr. Abdulla Al-Khan, Director of the Center for Abnormal Placentation at Hackensack University Medical Center

“Please use your voices to get the word out that people can safely donate blood by making an appointment at a donor center.”

- Dr. Barbara Nies, MFM Specialist at Inova Health System

"Donate blood if you can, PPE [Personal Protective Equipment] if you have access to it, and/or money to organizations helping those with serious economic needs. Everyone has opportunities to help in some way now, and in the future, to mitigate damage caused at all levels by COVID-19."

- Dr. Dierdre Lyell, Director of the Program in Placental Disorders at Stanford University Medical Center

“Our patients don't have the option of rescheduling their due date. As obstetric anesthesiologists, we want to do our job and take care of you. Please help protect us, our families, and all of our patients by donating PPE [Personal Protective Equipment].”

- Dr. Jeremy Gue, Obstetric Anesthesiology Fellow at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

“All of us feel the strain and share your concern about the COVID-19 pandemic.  Our efforts are focused on preparing to care for COVID-19 patients while maintaining our world class approach to PAS. We want to assure all PAS patients that their care will continue to be seamless and delivered at the highest quality.  We are amazingly proud of our team for meeting the needs of our COVID-19 pregnant patients while continuing to raise the bar for PAS care.  We will get through this together.”

- Dr. Scott Shainker, Director, New England Center for Placental Disorders & Dr. Toni Golen, Interim Chair, OBGYN at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

“Being an Accreta Mom is terrifying at the best of times but please rest assured we are working hard to not allow the current pandemic affect your care. We are having to be imaginative and proactive but that’s one of the things healthcare providers tend to excel at. Please don’t be afraid to get in touch with your physician if you are experiencing any difficulties or problems, we are still here to support you throughout this difficult journey.”

- Prof Sally Collins, Lead for the Oxford Placenta Accreta Service, UK and Vice-Chair of the International Society for Abnormally Invasive Placenta (IS-AIP)

WHAT CAN ACCRETA SURVIVORS AND FRIENDS & FAMILY DO TO HELP?

RESOURCES FOR PREGNANT MOMS:

Can you recommend any National accreta foundation resources for pregnant accreta moms?

• Yes, we recommend joining our support community to connect with other moms in the same situation and survivors.

• Checkout our Accreta Patient & Family Resources page, there are many helpful articles such as How to Prepare for an Accreta Delivery and our Accreta Experiences article series written by survivors.

• If you’re hospitalized or scheduled to deliver soon, please complete our New Mom form to let us know.

what can I do to lower my risk of contracting the virus?

The guidance for pregnant women is the same as the guidance to all of us:

• Wash your hands often, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

• Refrain from touching your face.

• Maintain social distancing.

• Practice good cough hygiene (cough into your arm).

what about my doctor appointments and hospital Stay will be different?

• Telehealth appointments may replace some of your in-person OB check-ups.

• For in office visits such as ultrasounds, some practices may ask that you limit the amount of people you bring to appointments. Ask your provider if you can use your phone to FaceTime loved ones into the visit. 

• Many hospitals are limiting the number of visitors and support persons, but at no time will you lack support - know that you will receive a lot of help and encouragement from highly skilled professionals, including registered nurses, your doctor, and the doctors on call.

• Additional Resources:

  • Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine teamed up with babycenter to produce this COVID-19 Patient FAQ and additionally published this guide for patients in high risk pregnancies.

  • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published this COVID-19 Practice Advisory.

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Services has published this Pregnancy and Breastfeeding FAQ.

Please Send us a note, we’d love to connect with you.

Stay safe, stay strong and stay well. Our hearts are with you.

National Accreta Foundation is an entirely volunteer staffed and donation funded 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to placenta accreta advocacy. If you find our content of value, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us continue this work.