In this review, we shall consider the oral and intravenous fluid management of pregnant women during labour and operative delivery in the context of neuroaxial blockade. We shall also discuss the use of blood transfusion in the peripartum period, especially during postpartum haemorrhage. Current management of military casualties and major civilian trauma challenges traditional practices of blood product administration in massive haemorrhage and may radically modify transfusion practices during obstetric haemorrhage. Articles for inclusion were selected from medical databases, including MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library, and additional references were obtained from available relevant publications.