Emergencies in obstetrics

Traditionally, pregnancy is considered a physiologic condition. However, close to 20% of pregnant women develop obstetrical diseases that are associated to maternal and perinatal mortality. Worldwide, every year half a million of women die during pregnancy, labor and delivery due to these complications. Unfortunately, a significant number of obstetrical emergencies occur among patients without risk factors, so that prevention, early identification and timely intervention play a key role to overcome an adverse pregnancy outcome. In the present chapter, we have selected the emergencies that concentrate most of the morbidity and mortality of our field. Although some have not been included, we believe that the obstetrical emergencies presented herein represent the most important ones that we face daily, and for which we should be prepared in order to execute the best possible obstetrical care either during pregnancy or at the time of delivery to obtain a favourable perinatal outcome.