Coagulation in pregnancy

published online 28 December 2009.

The coagulation system undergoes significant change during pregnancy. The clinician caring for the parturient must understand these changes, particularly when the parturient has a pre-existing haematological condition. Because many haematological conditions are rare, there often is limited information to guide the obstetric and anaesthetic management of these parturients.

Keywords: coagulation, haemostasis, fibrinolysis, platelets, thrombocytopaenia, coagulation factors, factor deficiencies, pregnancy, heparin, thrombophilia, neuraxial anaesthesia, neuraxial haematoma

Department of Anesthesia, University of British Columbia, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Corresponding author. Department of Anesthesia, BC Women's Hospital, Room 1Q72, 4500 Oak Street, V6H 3N1 Vancouver, BC, Canada. Tel.: +1 604 875 2158; Fax: +1 604 875 2733.

PII: S1521-6934(09)00148-5

doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2009.11.010

9 of 17