Pregnancy complications and obstetric care in women with inherited bleeding disorders

Abstract

Summary: Women with inherited bleeding disorders (IBD) require the input of a multidisciplinary team to improve outcomes of pregnancy. The role of the haemophilia nurse within the multidisciplinary team is to provide educational and emotional support to the women and to facilitate and co-ordinate patient-centred care. Prenatal diagnosis in cases of haemophilia is an integral part of the management of early pregnancy with a recent drive towards non-invasive prenatal diagnostic techniques. There is a current lack of data on the risk of miscarriage and bleeding complications during pregnancy. A clear association has only been established in women with fibrinogen and factor XIII deficiency. In the affected neonate with severe bleeding disorders such as haemophilia, the risk of head bleeding is significant, and appropriate management of labour and delivery has an important impact on reducing the risk. Women with IBD are at risk of both primary and secondary postpartum haemorrhage. Appropriate risk assessment and advance planning for haemostatic cover can reduce the bleeding risk. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd 19 s4 November 2013 10.1111/hae.12269 Review Article Pregnancy Complications and Obstetric Care in Women with Inherited Bleeding Disorders. Guest Editor: Rezan A. Kadir. Publication of this supplement was supported by an unrestricted educational grant from CSL Behring. Review Article © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.