Obstetric haematology

This chapter aims to cover aspects of haematology of pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum that are not addressed in other chapters. Obstetric haematology is a vast and complex area, the importance of which has promoted the development of this as a unique subspecialty. Thrombosis and bleeding, anaemia, haemoglobinopathies, and microangiopathies still account for significant morbidity and mortality in pregnancy, despite improvements in recognition, prevention, and management. Anaemia, due to iron deficiency, is highly prevalent in the pregnant population, but with early recognition and treatment, morbidity and need for unnecessary blood transfusion can be avoided. The management of women with thrombocytopenias and inherited bleeding disorders can be complex because of the haemostatic challenges of pregnancy. Pregnancies in women with haematological disorders need to be carefully managed to reduce mortality and morbidity in the mother and fetus. This chapter addresses the management of anaemia, haemoglobinopathies (mainly sickle cell disease), thrombocytopenia, microangiopathies, and the inherited bleeding disorders.