Abnormal Labour and Obstetric Emergencies Flashcards
List different reasons why a labour may be classified as ‘abnormal’.
- Malpresentation – non vertex
- Malposition – OP or OT
- Preterm <37 weeks
- Post-term >42 weeks
- Obstruction
- Foetal distress
Name the boundaries of the vertex.
Anterior and posterior fontanelles and the parietal eminences
After how many weeks of pregnancy do the rates of stillbirth increase a lot?
After 37 weeks
What type of delivery is necessary if there is a cord prolapse?
C - section (think C for Cord
What baby position usually requires a c section?
BREECH
Describe complete breech position.
Legs crossed with babies feet and its bottom
Describe the footling breech position.
One or both feet point down so that the legs will come out first
Describe the frank breech position.
Legs are lifted up and touching the babies head so that the bottom comes out first
What does malpresentation mean simply?
When the baby is in any position that is not vertex
List the 4 main types of breech position.
- Transverse
- Shoulder-arm
- Face (MA or MP)
- Brow
What is MA position? What kind of delivery is required?
Menoanterior (mento is chin)
This can deliver anterior
What is MP position? What kind of delivery is required?
Menoposterior - the chin is posterior
This needs a c section
What type of situation can epidural not be given in?
Emergency
What type of analgesia must be given in an emergency?
GA or spinal
What is IV Remifentanil PCA?
A very short acting opiate that works quickly
What is Entonox also known as?
Gas and air
Is epidural good?
Yes, it provides pain relief for 95% of people
Epidural does not impair _______ ________?
Uterine activity
What may epidural inhibit?
Processes during the second stage of labour
What are the 2 components of epidural?
Levobupivacaine +/- Opiate
List the 5 main side effects of epidural.
- Hypotension (20%)
- Dural puncture (1%)
- Headache
- High block
- Atonic bladder (40%)
What can dural puncture cause?
CSF leak
What is the main symptom of CSF leak?
AWFUL headache
What 3 things should be looked at when assessing the progress of labour in stage 3?
- Cervical dilatation
- Descent of presenting part
- Signs of obstruction e.g moulding, caput, anuria, haematuria, vulval oedema
Describe moulding.
When fontanelles merge over each other and cannot be reduced, this is a sign of obstruction
Describe caput.
The fontanelles feel swollen, also a sign of obstruction