ABSTRACT
Pregnancy and delivery are critical times for women with bleeding disorders, with mothers, and possibly their affected infants, being exposed to a variety of haemostatic challenges. Management of women with bleeding disorders during pregnancy involves a multidisciplinary team including, but not limited to, an obstetrician, an anaesthetist and a haematologist. This consensus document from the Australian Haemophilia Centre Directors' Organisation (AHCDO) provides practical information for clinicians managing women with bleeding disorders during pregnancy. Included are: the expected physiological response in pregnancy in such women; management of pregnancy, labour and delivery, as well as obstetric anaesthesia issues, postpartum care, and reducing and treating postpartum haemorrhage; and management of infants at risk of a bleeding disorder and of bleeding in neonates. The guidelines were developed after extensive consultation, face-to-face meetings and revisions. The final document represents a consensus opinion of all AHCDO members. Where evidence is lacking, recommendations are based on clinical experience and consensus opinion.
