Antepartum haemorrhage

Antepartum haemorrhage (APH) is bleeding from or into the genital tract occurring between 24 + 0 weeks' gestation until birth. It complicates 3–5% of pregnancies. The 2006–2008 report of the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths in the UK (CMACE) reported APH as the cause of death in four women. The high prevalence of APH, and its associated perinatal mortality and morbidity makes a thorough understanding of APH is essential for the practising obstetrician. The objective of this review is to consider the most common causes of APH (placenta praevia, placental abruption and local causes), together with their management.