Original Articles: PDF OnlyBleeding Esophageal Varices in PregnancyEVANS, I. M. A. MD; HOYUEN, B. MB, CHB; ANDERSON, F. H. MD, FRCPAuthor Information From the Departments of Medicine and Obstetrics, The University of British Columbia and The Vancouver General Hospital. Obstetrics & Gynecology: September 1972 - Volume 40 - Issue 3 - p 377-380 Free Abstract Hemorrhage from esophageal varices during pregnancy is a very uncommon problem. Certain physiologic changes during pregnancy, such as an increased blood volume and altered venous return to the heart, might predispose to hemorrhage from established varices. Management of massive variceal bleeding in pregnancy is difficult and both bleeding and treatment may place the fetus at risk. If bleeding can be controlled and pregnancy maintained, it is possible to obtain a viable infant. © 1972 The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists