Over the last 20 years, pulmonary oedema has been a significant cause of maternal death. This has often been associated with inappropriate fluid management. There is no evidence of the benefit of fluid expansion⁰⁰⁰² and a fluid restriction regimen is associated with good maternal outcome. There is no evidence that maintenance of a specific urine output is important to prevent renal failure, which is rare. The regime of fluid restriction should be maintained until there is a postpartum diuresis, as oliguria is common with severe pre-eclampsia. If there is associated maternal haemorrhage, fluid balance is more difficult and fluid restriction is inappropriate.