March 2025
Review of several cases where a woman presented to an emergency department (ED) in advanced pregnancy have identified instances where outcome may have been improved if assessment of the presenting complaint had included review by an obstetrician.
Whilst recognising the vast array of presentations to an ED, several high-risk pregnancy complications (e.g. pre-eclampsia or abruption) can present with vague symptoms that make identification of underlying pathology challenging.
To support prompt recognition of pregnancy related complications, input from the obstetric team is strongly encouraged.