Highlight 1: Study Spotlight: Patient-Centered Care for PAS

“Patient-centered care for placenta accreta spectrum: Exploring implementation of recommendations based on reported patient and healthcare provider experiences” (Bartels et al., 2025)

Again, a huge thank you to our community members who took part in this global study. Your stories helped shape critical insights into how care for Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) is being delivered—and where it’s falling short.

63% felt prepared for birth, but...

Many weren’t offered options beyond hysterectomy

Nearly 80% were given no educational resources

Patients reported being told not to research PAS. Others were left to search alone, scared and confused.

We can—and must—do better.

Highlight 2: Support Matters: Mental & Physical Health After PAS

From our study: “Patient-centered care for placenta accreta spectrum…”

Again, Thank you to our incredible community members who participated—you’re helping redefine what care should look like.

Here’s what you told us:

Only 44% were offered mental health support

60% were not referred to physical therapy

When support was offered, it made a difference—but often came too late

Partners were rarely included, and many felt overwhelmed and unsupported

Barriers like cost, availability, and awareness were cited. But providers are listening—and want to improve.

Solutions can be simple:

Offer resources early

Include partners

Create trauma-informed care plans

Thank you for helping shed light on what recovery really requires.

Highlight 3: Postpartum Care: The Missing Piece

From the study “Patient-centered care for placenta accreta spectrum…”

A final and heartfelt thank you to all who shared your PAS experience in our study. Your insights are powerful.

But here’s the truth: only 40% received postpartum follow-up with their PAS team.

Yet 96% of those who didn’t get it... said they wanted it.

Patients described feeling:

Isolated after discharge

Like their care ended too soon

Left without a point of contact

Misunderstood by general providers

Providers want to offer better postpartum care—but cite limited time, insurance coverage, and distance as barriers.

What helps?

— Telehealth

— Referrals to advocacy groups

— Clear post-discharge contact info

— Extending care beyond 6 weeks

PAS recovery doesn’t end at delivery. Let’s make sure support doesn’t either.

What do accreta patients need to know?

National Accreta Foundation has reviewed the latest research on accreta treatment and produced this FAQ on the information that PAS accreta patients need to know.

ACCRETA EXPERT: DR. BRETT EINERSON, MD MPH

In October 2021 in honor of Accreta Awareness Month, Dr. Brett Einerson, MD MPH joined NAF for an engaging live presentation. Topics included who is at risk of accreta, the importance of pre-delivery diagnosis, and how better outcomes are achieved a hospital that has experience treating accreta.

HOW TO CHOOSE A HOSPITAL FOR YOUR ACCRETA DELIVERY

National Accreta Foundation breaks down the literature surrounding an accreta Center of Excellence into what you need to know as a patient. Use this article to help assess your hospital and learn what questions you should be asking any prospective care team.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN ACCRETA DELIVERY

From what to pack in your hospital bag to suggested topics for pre-delivery discussion with your family and support network, National Accreta Foundation co-founder Kristen Terlizzi passes on tips from her two month postpartum hospital stay.