Background: There is a strong recommendation for post-partum thromboprophylaxis following emergency caesarean sections, particularly in overweight women, and following prolonged labour. Aims: To analyse the incidence and epidemiological factors associated with antepartum and post-partum venous thromboembolism in a large Victorian health service. Methods: A retrospective study of all 6987 women delivering at Ballarat Health Services between March 1999 and June 2006. Case notes of women with confirmed venous thromboembolism during this period were subjected to detailed analysis. The data were analysed for possible risk factors, the timing of thromboembolism in relation to the pregnancy and any correlation with thromboprophylaxis, if administered. Results: The rate of venous thromboembolism was 1.14 per 1000 deliveries, with risk factors of age > 30 (100%), obesity (75%), previous history of thromboembolism (62.5%) and caesarean section (37.5%). Majority of cases were diagnosed in first trimester (62.5%), and in the right lower limb (75%). None of the patients had been given thromboprophylaxis. Conclusion: While the incidence and risk factors were similar to those generally quoted, a much higher incidence was found in early pregnancy, and in the right lower limb. The importance of meticulous screening for risk factors in early pregnancy cannot be overemphasised.

Acute abdominal pain during pregnancy presents a dilemma as signs and symptoms are often modified. Abdominal massage by traditional birth attendants (TBAs') during early labour is a common practice in the rural population, as it is perceived to give a soothening effect to the labouring mother. Many instances of abruptio placentae were reported in the past by this procedure, and in this case, the clinical picture presented as an abruptio placenta. Malpresentation and failure to progress were the indications for caesarean section despite the fetal demise. Severe post partum haemorrhage and failure to contract despite massive oxytocics resulted in the hysterectomy of the gravid horn, leaving the other horn intact.

Sudden blindness in pregnancy is a devastating experience for the patient, her family and the treating obstetrician. Four cases of cortical blindness with pregnancy induced hypertension are presented, seen at the General Hospital Kota Bharu, Kelantan, in 1990. The incidence at the GHKB was 1: 1559 (4 cases out of 6,237 deliveries) which is higher as compared to neighbouring Singapore. The pathophysiology of this condition is still not well understood, though it is hoped that newer sophisticated imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT scan, and blood flow waveform analysis by Doppler ultrasound will throw some light on the subject. Two of our cases presented with antepartum and two with postpartum cortical blindness. Therefore, termination of pregnancy alone may not provide the solution to this therapeutic dilemma.

BackgroundMaternal obesity is an important comorbidity in contemporary obstetrics practice and is associated with significantly increased perinatal complications. Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) sustained during labour can lead to faecal incontinence, chronic pain and effects on quality of life. Currently, it is unclear if maternal body mass index (BMI) influences the risk of sustaining OASIS.AimTo investigate the impact of increased BMI on the rate of OASIS among nulliparous women.Materials and MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted, which included nulliparous women with singleton, vaginal deliveries ≥37 weeks gestation at a Victorian regional centre between 2007 and 2017 (n = 3335). Logistic regression was performed to calculate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (aOR). Women were grouped by World Health Organization BMI categories, and the rates of OASIS were evaluated.ResultsWomen with a BMI ≥ 25 were significantly less likely to develop OASIS compared to women with a BMI < 25 (aOR 0.60, 95% CI 0.41–0.89). Women with a BMI ≥ 35 had significantly decreased odds of OASIS compared to normal weight women (aOR 0.27, 0.10–0.78). While not statistically significant, the odds of OASIS decreased with each increase in BMI class. Other statistically significant risk factors were maternal age, birth weight, forceps delivery, non‐smokers (aOR 4.03, 1.46–11.1) and diabetes mellitus (aOR 9.48, 2.1–41.4).ConclusionWomen with a BMI ≥ 25 were less likely to sustain OASIS compared to women with a BMI < 25. Furthermore, the odds of OASIS decreased for each increase in BMI category. These findings warrant further investigation into the mechanism of this protective effect.