From the Guidelines
Severe pulmonary embolism (PE) can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby, including maternal death, which is the leading cause of pregnancy-related maternal death in developed countries 1.
Complications for the Mother
- The risk of PE is higher in the post-partum period, particularly after a Caesarean section 1
- Maternal complications include death, which can occur due to the severity of the PE, as well as other complications such as cardiac arrest and respiratory failure
- Other complications for the mother may include:
- Hemodynamic instability
- Cardiac arrest
- Respiratory failure
Complications for the Baby
- Fetal complications include intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, and fetal distress or death due to inadequate oxygen and nutrient supply 1
- Other complications for the baby may include:
- Low birth weight
- Respiratory distress syndrome
- Neurodevelopmental delays
Management and Prevention
- Management of PE in pregnancy typically involves anticoagulation therapy, such as low molecular weight heparin, and careful monitoring of both mother and baby 1
- Prevention of PE in pregnancy may include the use of prophylactic anticoagulation in high-risk women, as well as early mobilization and hydration after delivery 1
- It is essential to note that the decision to use diagnostic studies requiring radiation should be made with caution, as fetal radiation doses delivered in utero by properly performed diagnostic tests present no measurably increased risk of prenatal death, malformation, or impairment of mental development over the background incidence of these entities 1
From the Research
Complications of Severe Preeclampsia
- Severe preeclampsia can lead to several complications for both the mother and the baby, including:
- Cerebral involvement, which may manifest itself as convulsions, focal neurological events such as cortical blindness, and even cerebral hemorrhage 2
- Placental abruption, which can cause severe bleeding and deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients 2
- Eclampsia, which is the onset of seizures in a woman with preeclampsia, and can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby 3
- For the baby, complications of severe preeclampsia can include:
- Premature birth, which can increase the risk of respiratory distress, infection, and other health problems 2
- Growth restriction, which can affect the baby's development and increase the risk of health problems later in life 2
- Neonatal morbidity and mortality, which can be increased in cases of severe preeclampsia 3
- Long-term complications of preeclampsia can include: