Memorial Healthcare System’s nationally recognized High-Risk Pregnancy program at Memorial Regional Hospital continues to lead the way in specialized care for women with Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS), a complex and potentially life-threatening condition. Since its inception in 2016, Memorial’s PAS program has treated more than 270 confirmed cases, with exponential growth year over year, positioning it as one of the busiest accreta programs in the country.

“From the very beginning, our mission has been to provide the highest standard of care to mothers facing this incredibly challenging diagnosis,” said Dr. Julie Kang, Medical Director of High-Risk Obstetrics Surgery at Memorial Healthcare System. “With each case, our experience grows, and so does our ability to ensure safer outcomes for both mother and baby.”

Placenta Accreta Spectrum is a serious pregnancy complication affecting approximately 1 in 1,000 deliveries in the U.S. It occurs when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall, making it difficult to separate after delivery and increasing the risk of severe bleeding, early delivery, hysterectomy, or even loss of life. It is most commonly linked to previous cesarean deliveries.

This program, which offers a 24/7 on-call team of experts, reinforces Memorial’s commitment to delivering the highest level of care to expecting mothers and their babies, particularly in cases where complications, such as placenta previa and placenta accreta, pose significant risks.

Nationally, PAS carries a 7% maternal mortality rate. Yet, Memorial Healthcare System proudly reports a 0% mortality rate within its program. Other program highlights include:

– Less blood loss and shorter hospital stays compared to national averages

– Low Intensive Care Unit admission rate of 15%

– 24/7 on-call, multidisciplinary team of high-risk obstetricians, anesthesiologists, surgical experts, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and perinatal nurse navigators

– Comprehensive patient navigation, from diagnosis through delivery and postpartum recovery