Antenatal Care Flashcards
Describe what the terms Gravidity and Parity mean.
Gravidity = the number of pregnancies, of any outcome Parity = x + y x = live births, still births and neonatal deaths y = miscarriages, terminations and ectopic pregnancies
What are you inspecting for on the pregnant abdomen?
Symmetrically Distended consistent with pregnancy Striae Gravidarum Linea Nigra Umblicius - pigementation, eversion Scars - DO NOT MISS PAST C-SECTION SCAR Dilated Veins Fetal Movements Rashes
What is an appropriate fundal height measurement?
The same as the number of weeks gestation +/- 2 weeks
Where do you listen for the fetal heartbeat?
Over the anterior shoulder
Whats a normal fetal heart beat?
110-160bpm
What should the position of a pregnant lady be during examination and why?
Propped up to 30 degrees, or tilted to the left
To avoid aorto-caval compression
How do we describe the level of engagement of the fetal head?
In terms of fifths palpable
What do you comment on when palpating the pregnant abdomen?
Symphisis-Fundal Height
Number of poles and therefore fetuses
Lie of the fetus - longitudinal, transverse, oblique
Back of the fetus - which side?
Determine presenting part - cephalic or breech
Engagement - fifths palpable
Any areas of tenderness
What dose of folic acid should women take in pregnancy and for how long?
400 microg daily
Ideally one month before to 12 weeks gestation
What are the core features of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Growth Retardation
Mental Retardation
Facial Anomalies
Behavioral Problems
What complications is smoking during pregnancy associated with?
IUGR
Miscarriage and Stillbirth
Premature Delivery
Placental Problems
What does the combined screening test for Downs Syndrome consist of? When can it be carried out?
Nuchal Translucency Measurement
Serum Test
Can be carried out between 11 and 14 weeks
If a woman misses the window for the combined screening test, what other test can she get done?
Quadruple Serum Screening Test up to 20 weeks gestation
What scans does the average woman have antenatally?
10-13 weeks - gestational age scan
18-20 weeks - anomaly scan
(if placenta praevia is found at 18-20 week scan, it should be repeated at 36 weeks)
What is done at the 28 week appointment.
BP and urinalysis
Screen for anaemia and atypical red cell allo-antibodies
Offer anti-D prophylaxis for all Rhesus Negative Women
Offer Pertussis Vaccination
What is done at the 36 week appointment?
BP and urinalysis
Checking for position of the fetus - can attempt ECV if baby is breech
If placenta praevia is was discovered previously this should be checked
if a woman of reproductive age presents with lower abdominal pain and bleeding, what is your differential diagnosis?
Ectopic Pregnancy
Miscarriage
Describe the features of a threatened miscarriage.
Bleeding - but fetus is still alive
Uterine size consistent with gestation, cervical os is closed
Only 25% will go on to miscarry
Describe the features of an inevitable miscarriage.
Bleeding usually heavy, with associated pain
Although fetus may still be alive on US, the cervical os is open
Miscarriage is about to occur
Describe the features of an incomplete miscarriage.
Heavy bleeding and pain
Some fetal parts have been passed, but the os remains open
Needs medical or surgical evacuation
Describe the features of a complete miscarriage.
All fetal tissue has been passed
Bleeding has diminished, the uterus is no loner enlarged and the cervical os is closed.
Describe the features of a missed miscarriage.
The fetus has not developed or dies in utero but it is not recognised until either
Bleeding at a later date
Ultrasound scan
Uterus is smaller than expected for dates and the cervical os is closed
Medical or surgical evacuation of uterus is needed.
What drugs are used for ERPC
Anti-progestogen - Mifepristone (sensitises uterus to effects of prostaglandins)
Prostaglandin e.g. gemeprost, misoprostol
What is the definition of recurrent miscarriage and how common is it?
When 3 or more miscarriages occur in succession
1% of couples are affected
What Investigations would you do in a couple who presented with recurrent miscarriages.
Anti-phosphlipid antibody screen
Karyotype both parents to check for chromosomal incompatibility
Pelvic US, hysterosalpingogram to check anatomy
What are the aetiological factors for developing an ectopic pregnancy?
Previous Ectopic Pregnancy Previous Pelvic Surgery Previous Pelvic/Abdo Infections Use of Copper IUD/ IUS Infertility and assisted conception
How might an ectopic pregnancy present?
Lower abdo pain and/or PV bleed
Shoulder tip pain and peritonism if bleeding into abdomen
SHOCK - syncope, low BP, tachycardia, increased RR
What different ways are there to manage an ectopic pregnancy?
Conservative
Medical - Methotrexate
Surgical - laparoscopic salpingostomy or salpingectomy
Discuss the changes you may see in a serum beta hCG level over two days and what they might mean?
An increase in >2/3 indicates a normal pregnancy
A significant decrease indicates a miscarriage
If it stays approximately the same indicates an ectopic pregnancy
What investigations would you do in a fertile woman presenting with lower abdo pain and bleeding?
Pregnancy test
Ultrasound scan of abdomen
Serum hCG
May do laparoscopy as a last resort
What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
When nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy are so severe as to cause severe dehydration, weight loss or electrolyte disturbance.
Describe what gestational trophoblastic disease, and the three different classifications of it.
Trophoblstic Tissue (part of the blastocyst which normally invades the endometrium) proliferates in a more aggressive way than is normal.
Hydatidiform mole - proliferation is local and non-invasive
Invasive Mole - Invasive, but localised to ueterus
Choriocarcinoma - if metastases occur