Background: The rising Caesarean section rate in the developing world implies that the incidence of placenta accreta might be on the increase and this might worsen the maternal mortality burden.
Objective: To draw the attention of Obstetricians and other relevant professionals to this emerging but challenging trend.
Data sources: Original research findings and reviews published in the English literature. Additional information was obtained from texts and electronic books such as CD ROMS.
Data extraction: Online searches of electronic database (Medline, Pubmed and Embase), requests for reprints from corresponding authors and institutional/private subscriptions.
Data synthesis: Information obtained was categorised accordingly.
Conclusion: Optimal treatment of women with placenta accreta requires recognition of the clinical risk factors, accurate pre-operative diagnosis and meticulous planning to ensure safety at the time of delivery. In view of the rising incidence of this condition, and the absence of a highly reliable antenatal diagnostic method especially in developing countries, a high index of suspicion and advanced preparation is required to reduce its associated maternal morbidity and mortality.