Antenatal Care Flashcards
1st line treatment for magnesium sulphate induced respiratory depression?
Calcium gluconate
Dosing of magnesium sulphate in eclampsia?
Initial IV bolus of 4g over 5-10 mins then an IV infusion of 1g/hour
Needs to be continued until 24 hrs after delivery or after the last seizure whichever was latest
What is the general trend for blood pressure through pregnancy?
BP normally falls in the 1st trimester (especially the diastolic reading) up until 20-24 weeks then it starts to gradually increase back to pre-pregnancy level by term in a healthy pregnancy
What is the earliest gestation that you can develop pre-eclampsia or gestational hypertension?
20 weeks!
HTN before then is chronic hypertension!!
Between what gestations is fetal fibronectin licensed for use in SYMPTOMATIC WOMEN SUSPECTED TO BE IN PRETERM LABOUR
Between 22 - 35 weeks (<35 weeks) gestation
High negative predictive value
(ie a negative test can be fairly certain not in preterm labour, a positive test doesn’t necessarily mean they are definitely in preterm labour)
Which vitamin supplement should be avoided / taken with caution in pregnancy?
Vitamin A
Consumption > 700 mcg/day may be teratogenic (similarly liver is v high in Vit A so should be avoided)
What are the NICE recommendations for vitamin supplementation during pregnancy?
Everyone:
- Folic Acid 400 mcg/day pre-conception - 12 wks
- Vitamin D 10 mcg/day
Avoid Vit A supplementation as levels > 700mcg/day may be teratogenic
Do not ROUTINELY recommend iron supplementation unless known to be low
What is the initial management of women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes depending on their FBG level?
If FBG <7 at diagnosis, initially trial lifestyle modification. Offer metformin if glucose targets not met after 1-2 weeks
If 6 - 6.9 plus signs of baby being affected (macrosomia, hydramnios) then commence insulin
If FBG 7+ at diagnosis, commence short-acting insulin regime +/- metformin
1st line management of DIC in maternal haemorrhage?
Take clotting studies and Plts.
Can give upto 4x units FFP and 10x units cryoprecipitate while awaiting bld results
RCOG recommendations for flying during pregnancy?
Uncomplicated singleton pregnancy - ok <37 weeks (avoid 37+0 onwards)
Uncomplicated multiple pregnancy - ok <32 weeks (Avoid 32+0 onwards)
From 28 weeks most airlines need a letter from the doctor confirming uncomplicated pregnancy.
If no other risk factors for DVT and flight < 4 hrs - no precautions needed
If no other risk factors for DVT and flight > 4 hrs -> compression stockings, hydration and regular movements
If other risk factors for DVT - may be prescribed heparin inj for day of flight and few days after (individualised)
THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT LOW DOSE ASPIRIN REDUCES DVT RISK
Risk factors for placenta previa?
Multiparity
Multiple pregnancy
Prev LSCS (placenta will implant near scar site)
RCOG recommended initial investigation if suspect placenta previa ie antepartum haemorrhage?
TV USS !!! (improved accuracy than TA and considered safe!)
DO NOT do a digital exam prior to USS as ^ risk of provoking haemorrhage
Grading system for placenta previa?
Grade I - covers the lower segment but does not touch the internal os
Grade II - reaches the internal os but doesn’t cover it
Grade III - partially covers the internal os when not dilated
Grade IV / major - completely covers the internal os
What is the main risk associated with SSRI use in the 1st trimester?
SSRI s in 1st trimester = ^ risk of congenital cardiac abnormalities
Risk factors for hyperemesis gravidarum?
Nulliparity [first pregnancy]
^ level of beta HCG (multiple pregnancy, trophoblastic disease)
Obesity
Family or personal history of N+V of pregnancy
Conditions required for a diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum?
Triad of
1) 5% weightloss from pre-pregnancy weight
2) Electrolyte imbalance
3) Dehydration
What are the risk factors that influence whether a woman gets LDA during pregnancy (75-150mg from 12 - 36 wks) to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia?
HIGH RISK FACTORS (if 1 or more present give LDA)
- Hypertensive disease in prev pregnancy
- Chronic hypertension
- Chronic kidney disease
- SLE or antiphospholipid syndrome
- Type I or II diabetes
MODERATE RISK FACTORS (if 2 or more present give LDA)
- 1st pregnancy
- interpregnancy interval of >10 yrs
- Age 40+
- BMI 35 or over
- Multiple pregnancy
- Family history of pre-eclampsia
What are the maternal and fetal risks of post term pregnancys (42+0 +)
Fetal - oligohydramnios, reduced placental perfusion, increased stillbirth risk
Maternal - increased risk of instrumental delivery and c-section
When and why are pregnant women offered the whooping cough (bordatella pertussis) vaccine?
Between 16 - 32 weeks
To reduce the risk of neonatal whooping cough which carries significant morbidity / mortality
What is the first line treatment for magnesium sulphate induced respiratory depression?
Calcium gluconate
when is the combined test offered to pregnant women to screen for trisomy 13, 18 and 21 (Pateau, Edward’s and Down’s syndromes)
Combined test (nuchal translucency + PAPP-A + HCG) should be done 11+0 - 13+6 weeks
Between 15-20 wks (Late bookers) - the quadruple test should be used instead -> HCG, alpha fetoprotein, unconjugated Oestriol, inhibin A
What is the 1st line oral agent to switch women with pre-existent hypertension to in pregnancy?
Labetalol 1st line
[oral nifedipine can be used if asthmatic)
(ACEi and Ca channel blockers should be stopped as they are TERATOGENIC)
What are the diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes?
Fasting blood glucose > 5.6
OR
2-hr post glucose challenge > 7.8
How should women with pre-existing diabetes be managed when trying to conceive?
Stop oral antiglycaemics other than metformin (can continue insulin)
Weightloss if BMI >27
Folic acid 5mg / day pre-conception - 12 wks
Detailed anomaly scan at 20 weeks with 4-chamber view of heart
What is the main pregnancy complication associated with retroverted uteruses?
They may have transient urinary retention ~ 12 weeks when the uterus gets trapped in the pelvis, normally just need an IDC for 1-2 weeks until the uterus has risen out of the pelvis
If a woman has had 1 pregnancy which resulted in twin live births what would be her gravity and parity?
G1P2
(twins are one pregnancy but two paritys!)
What pregnancy complications are associated with periodontitis (teeth & gum infections)
Preterm delivery & low birth weight
Pregnant women are entitled to free dental care during pregnancy and until child is 1 yr
What is the approximate risk of miscarriage at each age group in the reproductive period?
12-19: 13%
20 - 24 - 11%
25-29 - 12%
30-34 - 15%
35-39 - 25%
40-44 - 50%
45+ - 90%
What is the recommended Tx for women with recurrent miscarriage in the context of antiphospholipid syndrome and how effective is this at reducing further miscarriages?
low-dose aspirin & heparin
reduces ongoing miscarriage rate by ~ 50%
What results on combined screen test is suggestive of Down’s syndrome?
Increased nuchal translucency
Increased beta HCG
Low PAPP-A
Definition & causes of oligohydramnios?
= <500ml amniotic fluid or AFI <5th percentile 32-36 weeks
Causes:
IUGR
PPROM
Potter sequence (bilateral renal agenesis + pulmonary hypoplasia)
Post-dates
Pre-eclampsia
What is the risk of fetal loss associated with amniocentesis?
0.5 - 1%
When should statins be stopped prior to trying to conceive?
3 months before TTC
(the change in cholesterol synthesis is thought to affect fetal development)
What are the Hb thresholds for commencing oral iron in pregnancy?
1st trimester = < 110
2nd & 3rd trimester = < 105
Postpartum = < 100
1st line = oral ferrous sulphate or fumerate, continue for 3 months after levels corrected to replenish stores
What is the significance of an isolated low PAPP-A in the combined screening test?
If the other parameters of the combined screening test (nuchal translucency, HCG) are normal, an isolated PAPP-A is NOT associated with an increased risk of Down’s syndrome or other aneuploidys
Isolated low PAPP-A = possibly associated with placental insufficiency = ^ risk of IUGR / preterm labour / pre-eclampsia / placental abruption
Offer serial growth scans through pregnancy to monitor for iUGR
Indications for CONTINUOUS CTG monitoring during labour?
New PV bleed during labour
Chorioamnionitis / sepsis / temp > 38
BP > 160/110
Oxytocin use
Presence of significant meconium
What are the recommended strategies for induction of labour depending on Bishop score?
Bishop Score 6 or less = vaginal prostaglandin or oral misoprostol
Bishop Score > 6 = amniotomy & IV oxytocin
What are the different stages of placental infiltration?
Placenta acreta - chorionic villi grow into the myometrium
Placenta increta - chorionic villa deeply invate IN to the myometrium
placenta percreta - chorionic villia Penetrate the Perimetrium & all layers of the uterus and may even extent to surrounding organs.
What is the classical presentation of atopic eruption of pregnancy?
Most common rash in pregnancy
2nd / 3rd trimester
Itchy erythematous nodules face, neck & chest & extensor surfaces
Benign - nil adverse impact on mum or baby
What is the classical presentation of polymorphic eruption of pregnancy?
3rd trimester
Itchy red rash, initially appears in abdominal striae then can spread across trunk and limbs (PERI-UMBILICAL SPARING)
Mx with emollients & topical / orial steroids