Abstract: Placenta accreta occurs when a defect in the decidua basalis allows the chorionic villi to attach directly to or invade into the myometrium. The morbidly adherent placenta including placenta accreta, increta, percreta based on the depth of invasion and may cause reverse maternal outcome including excessive postpartum hemorrhage, transfusion, coagulopathy, emergency peripartum hysterectomy or death. Ultrasound complement with magnetic resonance imaging is the main method of antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta. It is necessary to establish a scoring system to evaluate the risk of placenta accreta and improve the peripartum care. A multidisciplinary team is required in placenta increta or percreta. To preserve the future fertility, peripartum hysterectomy could be avoided by appropriate incision, compression sutures, devascularization and leaving placenta in situ. Hysterectomy remains the definitive surgical treatment when lack of sufficient supports for maternal safety.

Key words: Placenta accreta, Postpartum hemorrhage, Ultrasonography, prenatal, Magnetic resonance imaging