O46: Antepartum haemorrhage, not elsewhere classified

Antepartum haemorrhage is a group of conditions characterised by bleeding from the genital tract during late pregnancy (from the 20th week onwards), prior to labour. This is a serious concern since it puts both the mother and the baby at risk. The causes of antepartum haemorrhage are varied, but typically include conditions like placenta previa, where the placenta covers the cervix, and abruptio placentae, where the placenta detaches from the uterus prematurely. The main symptom of antepartum haemorrhage is vaginal bleeding, which may be heavy or light and can be accompanied by abdominal pain. These conditions generally progress rapidly, and immediate medical intervention is often required to prevent adverse outcomes such as preterm birth or maternal and fetal distress. The reproductive system of the pregnant woman is the primary system affected by these conditions.