Spontaneous Intraperitoneal Haemorrhage During Pregnancy: Report of Three Cases

Abstract

Three cases of intraperitoneal haemorrhage associated with pregnancy are described. This is a definite though relatively rare complication in pregnant patients. The bleeding may be from any intra-abdominal artery or vein, or the spleen. Although one well-documented review indicates that aortic aneurysms are the most likely to rupture during pregnancy, the majority of reports, including the present one, suggest that haemorrhage is commoner from spleen or splenic vessels, pelvic veins, and varicosities. When intraperitoneal haemorrhage occurs in the pregnant patient obstetric causes of pain and shock, especially concealed accidental haemorrhage, may lead to delay in diagnosis. Management depends on a clinical awareness of the condition and an early diagnosis, adequate resuscitation of the patient, and prompt laparotomy to deal with any source of haemorrhage. © 1964, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.