Midwifery Practice: Critical Illness, Complications and Emergencies Case Book

As technology and innovation drive health and maternity care into the future, more women with complicated and specific health care needs are conceiving and giving birth. With this in mind, this book provides the excellent opportunity to investigate 14 cases, which are thought provoking and challenging to health professionals and students alike. The pregnant woman who is unwell poses unique challenges in that there are always a minimum of two lives at risk and therefore their care requires highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals.

According to the Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries (CMACE) (2011) report, there has been a decline in maternal deaths relating to thromboembolism and haemorrhage, which is reassuring. Despite this however, the increase in maternal mortality pertaining to sepsis as a direct cause of maternal deaths is of a concern. Interestingly, the first case study: ‘Recognition of the critically ill woman’ discusses the importance of early recognition and intervention when critical illness, including sepsis is suspected.