Obstetrics & Gynaecology Publications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2022
Journal
Obstetric Medicine
Volume
15
Issue
1
First Page
56
Last Page
58
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1177/1753495X20972828
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a multisystemic condition in which pregnancy is uncommon; however, the combination may lead to a higher incidence of spontaneous fetal loss and complications such as progressive jaundice, ascites and variceal bleeding. Here we present a 21-year-old woman who presented at 14 weeks’ gestation with new jaundice and a two-month history of melena consistent with pre-existing cirrhosis of unclear aetiology. She delivered a healthy male infant at 34 weeks and five days of gestation vaginally with good haemostasis. In the literature, maternal mortality rates have been reported in up to 61% of these women, however, this risk is likely lower now with modern endoscopic therapies and improved access to blood products. There is limited information about labour and delivery in cirrhosis, although the best outcomes to date have been described in well-compensated women.