Management of women with inherited bleeding disorders in pregnancy

Key content Pregnancy in women with inherited bleeding disorders requires specialised and individualised care using a multidisciplinary approach with obstetricians, midwives, haematologists and anaesthetists. Childbirth presents an intrinsic haemostatic challenge in these women and obstetricians may be the first to encounter haemorrhagic complications. An understanding and awareness of these disorders and close collaboration between obstetricians and haematologists are essential in ensuring a successful outcome. Learning objectives To understand the basic principles in the obstetric management of women with inherited bleeding disorders. To know the options available for prenatal diagnosis. To be aware of the increased risk of haemorrhagic complications in these women and their offspring. Ethical issues Advances in prenatal diagnosis and treatment of inherited bleeding disorders create complex dilemmas for families affected by these disorders. Please cite this article as: Chi C, Kadir RA. Management of women with inherited bleeding disorders in pregnancy. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2007;9:27–33.