Published: 18 August 2026
This document sets out management and care pathways to ensure that women at risk of aortic dissection are identified, carefully monitored, counselled and effectively cared for throughout pregnancy, in order to reduce the risk of complications.
Pregnancy is known to be a risk factor for aortic dissection, and although its occurrence is rare (0.5–1.1 per 100 000 pregnancy-related hospitalisations), it carries a high maternal–fetal mortality rate and accounts for approximately 1 in 6 of maternal cardiac deaths recorded in UK maternal mortality reports in the past 20 years.
This guidance aims to define and increase awareness of women at risk for aortic dissection, highlight the need for preconceptual assessment and counselling, and recommend pathways for multidisciplinary peripartum care for women at risk and for those who present with dissection during pregnancy and the postpartum period – which are all key to improving maternal and fetal outcomes, both during pregnancy and long term.
Version history
This is the first edition of this guidance.
The review process will commence in 2029, unless otherwise indicated.
Developers’ declarations of interests
Available on request.