1B.3 Management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnancy

Introduction Venous thromboembolism (VTE) continues to be one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and lethality in the western world. The incidence is approximately 1/1000 maternities [1]. Some studies have found higher incidence before delivery [2] and others post-delivery [3]. The risk decreases rapidly during the first 6 weeks post-partum [4]. Recognised risk factors are thrombophilia, personalor family history of VTE, obesity, operative delivery, and high maternal age [4].