Abstract
Objective: To assess the utilization of Obstetric HDU, including indications and frequency of admissions, clinical management of patients and maternal outcomes.
Methodology: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at District General Hospital in North East of England. All the patients who were admitted to HDU/ICU from January 2011 to February 2013 were identified through HDU admission register. Data including indications for admissions, duration of stay, clinical management of patients and feto maternal outcomes were recorded and was analysed using Microsoft Excel.
Results: The rate of HDU admission was 0.58%. 91% of patients had obstetrics indications for admission to HDU with major obstetrics hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy being the two most common causes for admissions. There was no maternal mortality and long term maternal morbidity. Neonatal ICU admission rate was 24% and 12% had intra uterine fetal death.
Conclusion: Critical illness in pregnancy and puerperam is most likely related to obstetric causes. On site obstetrics HDU can provide expert obstetric care and critical care management with additional advantage of midwifery support.

Key words: Obstetrics High dependency care, postpartum hemorrhage, Pre eclampsia