AI to the Rescue: New Technology Offers Hope in Combating Rising Placenta Accreta Rates
A groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) model is showing remarkable promise in detecting placenta accreta, a dangerous pregnancy complication that’s becoming increasingly prevalent. The AI, presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) 2026 Pregnancy Meeting™, accurately identified the condition in a retrospective study, offering a potential lifeline for expectant mothers and healthcare providers.
The Growing Threat of Placenta Accreta
Placenta accreta occurs when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall. Unlike a typical placental separation after birth, the placenta remains firmly attached, potentially causing life-threatening hemorrhage. The incidence of this condition is on the rise, mirroring the increasing rates of Cesarean sections globally.
Data indicates a significant increase in the U.S. Between 1998 and 2011, placenta accreta occurred in approximately 1 in 272 births. This is a dramatic jump from the 1 in 2,510 births recorded in the 1970s. This trend isn’t limited to the United States. a national strategy inquiry in France reveals a worldwide increase, linked to both rising C-section rates and pregnancies occurring at older maternal ages.
How the AI Model Works
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed the AI model by analyzing 2D obstetric ultrasound images from 113 patients at risk for placenta accreta. The images, collected between 2018 and 2025, were used to “train” the AI to recognize patterns indicative of the condition. The results were encouraging: the AI demonstrated 100% sensitivity, correctly identifying all cases of placenta accreta – meaning no false negatives. There were two false positives, indicating the AI sometimes flagged cases that weren’t actually placenta accreta.
“Our team is very excited about the potential clinical implications of this model for accurate and timely diagnosis of PAS,” said Dr. Alexandra L. Hammerquist, a maternal-fetal medicine fellow at Baylor College of Medicine. “We are hopeful that its use as a screening tool will help decrease PAS-related maternal morbidity and mortality.”
Why Early Detection Matters
Currently, diagnosing placenta accreta can be challenging, relying on risk factors and ultrasound findings that can sometimes be inconclusive. Early detection is crucial because it allows for planned delivery – often a Cesarean section followed by a hysterectomy – minimizing the risk of catastrophic hemorrhage and other complications. Without a proactive approach, placenta accreta can lead to massive maternal bleeding, organ failure, and even death.
Future Trends and the Role of AI in Maternal Health
The development of this AI model signals a broader trend: the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into maternal healthcare. AI has the potential to improve diagnostics, personalize treatment plans, and reduce maternal mortality rates. Further research will likely focus on refining these AI models, expanding their capabilities to detect other pregnancy complications, and integrating them seamlessly into clinical workflows.
As C-section rates remain significant – with 21.4% of deliveries in France occurring via C-section in 2021 – the need for accurate and efficient screening tools like this AI model will only grow.
FAQ
What is placenta accreta? Placenta accreta is a condition where the placenta attaches too deeply into the uterine wall, failing to detach properly after childbirth.
What causes placenta accreta? Prior uterine surgery, particularly C-sections, is a major risk factor. Increasing maternal age and placenta previa too contribute to the risk.
How accurate is the new AI model? The AI model demonstrated 100% sensitivity in detecting placenta accreta in the study, with two false positive results.
Is placenta accreta life-threatening? Yes, if left undiagnosed and unmanaged, placenta accreta can lead to severe complications, including life-threatening hemorrhage and organ failure.
Did you know? The rate of placenta accreta has increased dramatically in recent decades, largely due to the rise in Cesarean section deliveries.
