Introduction: Obstetric venous thromboembolism

How to best reduce maternal risk from obstetric venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a relatively controversial topic. In comparison, for other leading causes of maternal mortality and severe morbidity such as obstetric hemorrhage and hypertension, there is general agreement on recommendations. While obstetric VTE poses a unique epidemiological and public health challenge, a number of recommendations related to care improvement and patient safety can be made. This edition of Seminars in Perinatology focuses on (i) overview of clinical research and epidemiology that can serve as a basis for informed decision making regarding VTE prophylaxis strategies, (ii) VTE prophylaxis implementation from a leadership perspective, (iii) future directions for research on obstetric VTE, and (iv) critical care management of obstetric VTE.