Professor Marian Knight, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Research Professor in Public Health, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Oxford University. Chief Investigator for the National Maternal Near-miss Surveillance Programme (UKNeS)www. Npeu. Ox. Ac. Uk/uknes.

• Life-threatening conditions in pregnancy and childbirth: Healthcare professionals

Simon's wife needed an emergency caesarean to deliver their baby (her second). She developed complications, including a uterine rupture, which lead to a haemorrhage and surgery. His wife spent several days in intensive care and a high dependency unit.

• Haemorrhage/placental disorders
• Other conditions that threaten women's lives in childbirth and pregnancy

Craig's wife (Hana - Interview28) was expecting twins, her first pregnancy. At 37 weeks she started to feel very ill with suspected obstetric cholestasis. His wife's labour was induced but she was soon rushed through for an emergency caesarian section.

• Other conditions that threaten women's lives in childbirth and pregnancy

Although Mike's wife (Joanna - Interview 07) had caesarean with her first baby, they were advised she could try for a natural birth. Jo went into labour at home, 9 days overdue. A searing pain developed. She had had a uterine rupture which was undiscovered. Their baby died in utero.

• Haemorrhage/placental disorders
• Other conditions that threaten women's lives in childbirth and pregnancy

Hana was expecting twins, her first pregnancy. At 37 weeks she started to feel very ill with suspected obstetric cholestasis. Her labour was induced but she was soon rushed through for an emergency caesarian section.

• Other conditions that threaten women's lives in childbirth and pregnancy

Debbie was expecting her second child, after her first daughter was delivered by emergency caesarian. She hoped for a vaginal birth after caesarian (VBAC). But during labour she felt a searing pain. Her uterus had ruptured and her daughter had to be delivered as an emergency.

• Other conditions that threaten women's lives in childbirth and pregnancy

Linda has her daughter 23 years ago. It was a complicated birth as she was diagnosed with Bandls retraction ring during labour. Her daughter was delivered by caesarean, and she haemorrhaged. She had anemia for several months.

• Other conditions that threaten women's lives in childbirth and pregnancy

When she was pregnant with her first child Belinda suffered a lot of pain and discomfort which was finally diagnosed as appendicitis. She had an appendectomy at 32 weeks and an emergency caesarean at 34 weeks. Her daughter spent time in neo-natal intensive care before coming home.

• Other conditions that threaten women's lives in childbirth and pregnancy

After an easy pregnancy with her fourth child Deborah was hoping for a water birth. When she was 12 days overdue Deborah went into hospital for induction. During labour, her son suffered hypoxia and died.

• Other conditions that threaten women's lives in childbirth and pregnancy

James and his partner were expecting their first child. After delivery his partner developed Amniotic Fluid Embolism. Both mother and baby are fine.

• Amniotic Fluid Embolism