10.2a Early Pregnancy Bleeding Flashcards
1
Q
Bleeding Disorders in Early Pregnancy
A
- Miscarriage (spontaneous abortion)
- Cervical Insufficiency
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Hydatidiform mole (Molar Pregnancy)
2
Q
Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion)
A
- Pregnancy that ends as a result of natural causes before fetal viability
- Occurs before 20 weeks of gestation
- Fetal weight less than 500g is defined as abortion
3
Q
Etiology of Miscarriage
A
- 80% occur before 12 weeks gestation
- Half are chromosomally normal and half are chromosomally abnormal
CAUSES
- Medical Disorders (DM, Obesity, Thyroid Disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
- Alcohol
- Excessive Caffeine Intake (>500 mg/day)
- Environmental Toxins
- Increasing PATERNAL age
- INFECTION IS NOT A COMMON CAUSE OF MISCARRIAGE
4
Q
Types of Miscarriage
A
- Threatened (Cervix is closed but shows signs of miscarriage like light vaginal bleeding or lower abdominal pain)
- Inevitable (Cervix is open and developing fetus will come out in bleeding. A lot more vaginal bleeding and strong lower stomach cramps)
- Incomplete (Some pregnancy tissue remains in uterus and vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal cramping will continue in efforts to empty itself)
- Complete (All pregnancy tissue has left the uterus. Vaginal bleeding may continue for a few days)
- Missed (Fetus has died but stayed in the uterus. May have brownish discharge and feelings of pregnancy may be gone)
ALL TYPES EXCEPT THREATENED CAN LEAD TO INFECTION
5
Q
Signs and Symptoms of Miscarriage
A
- Uterine Bleeding
- Uterine Contractions
- Abdominal Pain
- Before 6 weeks of pregnancy, may seem like a heavy menstrual flow.
- Between 6-12 weeks there is moderate discomfort and blood loss
- After week 12 there is severe pain due to fetus needing to be expelled
6
Q
Recurrent Miscarriage
A
- 3+ spontaneous pregnancy losses before 20 weeks or under 500g fetal weight.
- Most common cause is parental chromosomal abnormalities, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, and certain uterine abnormalities
7
Q
Evaluation of Recurrent Miscarriages
A
- Karyotyping (chromosomal assessment) of partners and placenta assessment
- Uterine cavity evaluation
- Screening for abnormal prolactin/thyroid disease
- Psychological response of parents
8
Q
Sepsis
A
- Some miscarriages can become septic (uncommon)
S/S
- Fever
- Abdominal tenderness
- Vaginal bleeding (malodorous - smells bad)
9
Q
Threatened Miscarriage
A
- Slight spotting of bleeding
- Mild uterine cramps
- No passage of tissue or cervical dilation
MANAGEMENT
- Bed rest (although not proven to be effective in preventing miscarriage)
- Ultrasounds and assessment of hCG and progesterone to determine if fetus is still alive
10
Q
Inevitable Miscarriage
A
- Moderate Bleeding
- Mild-Severe Uterine Cramps
- No passage of tissue but cervix is dilated
MANAGEMENT
- Expectant management (keeping close eye) if there is no pain, bleeding, or infection.
- If pain/bleeding/infection is present then termination of pregnancy is done by surgical dilation and suction.
11
Q
Incomplete Miscarriage
A
- Heavy/Profuse Bleeding
- Severe Uterine Cramps
- Passage of Tissue and Cervical Dilation
MANAGEMENT
- Suction curettage is preformed
- Can also be managed with misoprostol (Cytotec) instead of suction
- PRIORITY MANAGEMENT IS FLUID VOLUME DEFICIT DUE TO BLOOD LOSS FROM INCOMPLETE ABORTION
12
Q
Complete Miscarriage
A
- Slight Bleeding
- Mild Uterine Contractions
- There was passage of tissue but cervix is no longer dilated after the tissue has passed
MANAGEMENT
- No interventions if no hemorrhage/infection and adequate uterine contractions
- Ultrasound can also be done to make sure it was a complete miscarriage
13
Q
Missed Miscarriage
A
- No Bleeding
- No Uterine Cramping
- No passage of tissue or cervical dilation
MANAGEMENT
- Pregnancy can be terminated either with misoprostol (oral/vaginal) or surgical dilation and suction
14
Q
NURSING MANAGEMENT OF MISCARRIAGE
A
- Ask about s/s such as pain, cramping, and determine gestational age
- Prepare woman for termination of pregnancy by assessing dilation/curettage before and after procedure as well as explaining the procedure. Emotional support
- During discharge teach for signs of infection/bleeding and the importance of hygiene, nutrition and rest.
- Acknowledge the woman’s loss and allow her time to express her feelings.
15
Q
Assessment of Miscarriage
A
- Pregnancy History
- Vital Signs
- Type/Location of Pain
- Quantity/Nature of Bleeding
- Emotional Status
LABS
- hCG (Pregnancy)
- Hemoglobin (Anemia)
- WBC (Infection)
16
Q
Issues with Miscarriage
A
- Anxiety
- Disrupted Fluid Balance from Bleeding due to Miscarriage
- Acute Pain from Uterine Contractions
- Decreased Self Esteem
- Potential Infection from Surgery and Dilated Cervix