[Emergency obstetrics]

Sudden bleeding in the advanced stage of pregnancy is usually caused by abruptio placentae. Pre-eclampsia may develop rapidly into eclampsia and should lead to immediate hospitalization of the patient. A pregnant woman suffering from high blood pressure, headaches and epigastric pains, might be developing the life threatening HELLP syndrome. Sudden labour at term, either at home or in the ambulance, does not usually involve major complications. Hypothermia of the newborn baby should be avoided by drying it and placing it at the mother's breast. The umbilical chord is cut at the obstetrical department.