Authors: 

• Dr Amrit Dhadda, Anaesthetics ST7, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board
• Dr Nathan Riddell, Anaesthetics Fellow, Obstetric Bleeding Study UK (OBS UK)
• Dr Sarah Bell, Co-Chief Investigator, Obstetric Bleeding Study UK (OBS UK)

Bleeding during and after childbirth (postpartum haemorrhage) is the most common complication of childbirth, with around 50,000 women in the UK losing one litre or more of blood per year.

Substantial variations in postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) management exist, with national inquiries highlighting the need for improvements in care. However, we know that effective management requires teamwork between midwives, obstetricians, anaesthetists, healthcare support staff, and haematologists.

The vital role of the anaesthetist as part of a well-functioning maternity multidisciplinary team (MDT) has recently been emphasised, particularly during emergencies such as PPH in which skills in the resuscitation of critically unwell patients are required. We believe this also provides the opportunity for anaesthetists to take more active roles in leading maternity research and quality improvement.