Description
Maternal mortality in the UK has decreased since the 1950s, partly due to advances in the care of the critically ill obstetric patient. This article will summarise the main features and management principles of several conditions associated with pregnancy which can cause critical illness. Major haemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, thromboembolism, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, pulmonary oedema, peripartum cardiomyopathy, renal failure, sepsis, amniotic fluid embolus and DIC will be considered. Communication and cooperation across specialities is essential for successful outcomes in these high risk patients.
