Antepartum haemorrhage (APH)

Question 1

Definition of antepartum haemorrhage

Answer 1

• Bleeding from the birth canal after 24 weeks (before 24 weeks = miscarriage)

Question 2

Causes of antepartum haemorrhage

Answer 2

• Placental abruption
  
  • Painful, dark bleeding
  • Bleeding may be absent (concealed abruption)
• Placenta praevia
  
  • Painless, red bleeding
• Other
  
  • Incidental genital tract pathology
    
    • Infection
    • Trauma
    • Tumour
  • Vasa praevia
  • Uterine rupture
    
    • Multiple pregnancy
    • Previous Caesarean
    • Shoulder dystocia