VTE

• VTE is the commonest direct cause of maternal mortality in the UK


• Most women with fatal PE do not have a preceeding diagnosis of DVT


• The puerparium is the most hypercoagulable period.


• Women with antenatal VTE should be anti-coagulated for at least 6 weeks after delivery

• Warfarin is terratogenic and associated with risk of fetal haemorrhage 

      - heparin does not cross the placenta and should be used for    
     antenatal treatment