Prehospital Medical - Obstetric Conditions
Recognition, Safe Management and Time-Critical Intervention in Prehospital Obstetric Emergencies
Obstetric conditions in the prehospital setting range from uncomplicated labour to time-critical maternal and neonatal emergencies. Presentations such as preterm labour, postpartum haemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, cord prolapse and neonatal compromise require calm, structured assessment and rapid intervention to protect both mother and baby.
This PreHospitalHub section explores obstetric emergencies from a prehospital and urgent care perspective, focusing on maternal assessment, foetal considerations, red flag recognition, communication and safe escalation. Designed for healthcare professionals working across prehospital, emergency and community settings, these resources support confident frontline management and improved maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Prehospital Medical – Obstetric Conditions – Articles
Prehospital Medical – Obstetric Conditions – Resources
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Prehospital Medical – Obstetric Conditions –
Did You Know?
Postpartum Haemorrhage Can Occur Rapidly After Delivery
Did you know that postpartum haemorrhage can develop within minutes of birth and remains one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity worldwide, requiring immediate recognition and intervention.
Pre-Eclampsia Can Present Without Severe Hypertension
Did you know that pre-eclampsia may present with headache, visual disturbance or epigastric pain even before markedly elevated blood pressure is detected.
Eclampsia Can Occur Before or After Birth
Did you know that eclamptic seizures can occur antenatally, intrapartum or postpartum — even in patients without a prior diagnosis of pre-eclampsia.
Cord Prolapse Is a Time-Critical Emergency
Did you know that cord prolapse compromises foetal oxygenation and requires immediate maternal positioning and urgent transfer to protect the baby.
Maternal Collapse Requires Modified Resuscitation
Did you know that maternal cardiac arrest requires left uterine displacement to reduce aortocaval compression and optimise maternal circulation.
Prehospital Medical – Obstetric Conditions –
CPD Reflection Prompts
Reflective practice is a key part of continuing professional development (CPD) and clinical improvement. Use these prompts below to guide your self-reflection on a recent patient assessment.
Reflect on a recent obstetric case you have managed and consider the following:
- jWhat was the gestational stage and presenting complaint (e.g. labour, bleeding, hypertension, reduced foetal movements)?
- jHow did you assess both maternal and foetal wellbeing?
- jWere there any red flag features such as severe hypertension, heavy bleeding, seizures or cord prolapse?
- jHow did you prioritise care between maternal stability and foetal considerations?
- jWhat communication strategies were used to support and reassure the patient and family?
- jWhat went well in your assessment, teamwork and clinical decision-making?
Consider recording this reflection in your CPD portfolio or ePortfolio, such as the PrehospitalHalo CPD Log, using a recognised framework like the Gibbs Reflective Cycle or What? So What? Now What?. Structured reflection supports deeper clinical insight, enhances self-awareness, and helps translate experience into improved practice.
Documented reflections like this provide evidence of ongoing learning and can support annual CPD requirements, in line with expectations set by professional and regulatory organisations such as the HCPC, HPAC, UKREMT, Qualsafe, HEE, and many others. Maintaining clear, well-structured CPD records is an essential part of demonstrating safe, effective, and reflective practice as a healthcare professional.
Prehospital Medical – Obstetric Conditions – FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about Prehospital Medical – Obstetric Conditions – in Paramedic Practice
What obstetric emergencies are most commonly encountered in prehospital care?
Common presentations include uncomplicated labour, preterm labour, postpartum haemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, cord prolapse and neonatal compromise. Rapid recognition and calm, structured management are essential.
What are the red flags in pregnancy-related presentations?
Red flags include heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, reduced foetal movements, seizures, severe headache with visual disturbance, systolic hypertension, or signs of maternal shock.
How should hypertension in pregnancy be assessed prehospital?
Accurate blood pressure measurement, assessment for headache, visual changes, epigastric pain and oedema are important. Severe hypertension with symptoms may indicate pre-eclampsia or impending eclampsia.
When should postpartum haemorrhage be suspected?
Postpartum haemorrhage should be suspected in patients with excessive vaginal bleeding after delivery, signs of shock, tachycardia or pallor. Early escalation is critical.
What is the priority in maternal collapse?
Immediate resuscitation with left uterine displacement to reduce aortocaval compression, airway and breathing support, and urgent transfer to definitive care.
