Antepartum hemorrhage
Antepartum hemorrhage (APH) refers to vaginal bleeding during the second half of pregnancy (> 20 weeks gestation). APH may occur in varying degrees from mild to severe, with concomitant risk to mother and baby and potential to result in severe maternal/fetal compromise, including death.
Epidemiology
It complicates 3-5% of all pregnancies . APH is associated with an increased risk of Postpartum hemorrhage.
Pathology
Causes include:
- placental abruption
- placenta previa (20% of all APH)
- gestational trophoblastic disease
- vasa previa (rarest cause of hemorrhage in pregnancy )
- uterine rupture
- cervical or genital tract bleeding
See also
