Antenatal Care Flashcards
You are seeing a 28 year old woman in the GP clinic. She is planning to get pregnant and would like to know how she can optimise her health for her baby. She has no significant PMH and is not taking any medicines. BMI normal, BP normal. Please counsel her.
- Diet advice: eat a healthy diet with fruits/veg, whole foods and high fibre. Do not ‘eat for two’.
- Exercise: good to maintain fitness, with aerobic exercise and strength. Pelvic floor exercises can be useful to decrease the risk of incontinence after delivery.
- Substances: stop smoking, no/little alcohol, no drugs
- Pregnancy multivitamins: from Boots/etc. Make sure folic acid at least.
- Refer to info: NHS website, Start4Life
A 29 year old woman attends antenatal clinic for her booking visit at 8 weeks. After a history and examination, what investigations would you like to do?
- Urine dip and MC&S (looking for asymptomatic bacteriuria, proteinuria, glycosuria)
- Bloods including FBC (anaemia, low platelets), serology for HIV, HBV, syphilis, G+S (ABO and RhD)
- USS between 10+0 and 13+6 weeks for dating
- Combined screening for Down’s syndrome
What are the two different screening methods for Down’s syndrome? What results are suggestive of Down’s syndrome?
1) Combined test: nuchal translucency, PAPP-A, BhCG
2) Quadruple test: BhCG, AFP, inhibin A, unconjugated oestriol
A high bhCG and inhibin A, as well as low PAPP-A, AFP, and oestriol indicate possible Down’s syndrome.
What are the risks to the mother and fetus of a high maternal BMI?
Mum: GDM, hypertension including pre-eclampsia, VTE, increased risk of operative delivery, increased complications after delivery.
Fetus: macrosomia and FGR, congenital malformations, stillbirth + miscarriage, childhood obesity.
You are seeing a woman after her booking visits to give her the results of her screening tests. She is HBV +. Please counsel her.
- Tell her diagnosis and check understanding
- Explain: viral infection affecting liver. Transmitted sexually and through blood products. Can be lifelong, or in some adults the body can clear the virus.
- Referral to GUM and hepatology for further tests and information
- For the pregnancy, this means there is an increased risk to the baby of getting the virus from the mum, though this doesn’t always happen
- Baby will need vaccination at birth and 2 more at 1 month and 6 months. Will also give baby antibodies, which will help the baby’s immune system to fight the virus.
- Check for understanding and questions. Give leaflets
What are the risk factors for pre-eclampsia? When and how would you prevent pre-eclampsia?
High risk: previous hypertensive disease in pregnancy, CKD, autoimmune disease like SLE, DM, existing hypertension
Moderate risk: primiparity, multiple gestation, age >40, BMI >35, FHx, 10 years between pregnancies
Prevention with 75-150mg aspirin in women with 1 high risk factor or 2+ moderate.
What are the risk factors for GDM? Who should be screened and how?
RFs: previous GDM or macrosomia, FHx of DM, ethnic origin, obesity.
In women with previous GDM, screen with 2 hour OGTT at 16-18 weeks and again at 24-28 weeks. In other women with RFs, only screen at 24-28 weeks.
What results in an OGTT diagnose GDM?
Fasting glucose >/=5.6mmol/L or 2 hour postprandial of >/= 7.8
What is the difference between exomphalos and gastroschisis? When are they abnormal?
Exomphalos: covered by membranes, umbilical cord inserts into apex of sac, associated polyhydramnios, high incidence of congenital abnormalities
Gastroschisis: free floating abdo contents (rough outline on USS), umbilical cord inserts laterally, associated oligohydramnios.
Herniation into the umbilicus eg. in exomphalos is normal from 5/6 weeks until 12 weeks. Diagnosis cannot be made before then.
What are the 2 main categories of prenatal testing? What do they include?
Non-invasive: USS, serology, cffDNA
Invasive: chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, cordocentesis
When can you do CVS and amniocentesis? What do they test? What are the complications?
CVS from 10 weeks, samples fetal trophoblast cells in placental villi. Amnio from 15 weeks, samples amniotic fluid to isolate fetal cells.
Risk of miscarriage- 2% in CVS, 1% in amnio. Pain, infection eg. chorioamnionitis, RhD alloimmunisation
What are the ways for monitoring fetal growth? Which is routinely used?
Symphisis-fundal height measurement and USS. SFH is measured at each antenatal visit, and USS used if there are any suspicions of abnormal growth eg. SFH large/small for dates, or to monitor high-risk pregnancies eg. GDM
What are the definitions of SGA and macrosomia?
SGA: below the 10th centile for age
Macrosomia: above the 90th centile
What are the complications of FGR?
Intrauterine: hypoxia, HIE, organ damage
Neonatal: NEC, hypothermia, hypoglycaemia, infection
Adulthood: chronic hypertension, DM, CVD
Describe the fetal circulation.
Oxygenated blood from the placenta is carried by the umbilical veins to the liver, then passes by the ductus venosus into the IVC and right atrium. From there, it goes through the foramen ovale into the left atrium, then LV, then out the aorta and to the head and neck.
Deoxygenated blood from the head and neck enters the RA, then to RV and into pulmonary artery. It is then shunted into the aorta by the ductus arteriosus, causing the blood travelling in the aorta to be less oxygenated. The umbilical arteries stem from the aorta and bring blood back to the placenta.
What is the purpose of amniotic fluid? How much is normal?
- Protects the fetus mechanically
- Allows movements
- Prevents adhesions
- Helps lung development
30 ml by 10 weeks, 300ml by 20 weeks, 1000ml by 38 weeks.
List 5-10 uses of USS in pregnancy.
Confirmation of viability Dating Growth monitoring Diagnosing multiple pregnancy Detecting fetal anomalies Assessing amniotic fluid volume Fetal wellbeing Estimating cervical length
What are the early signs of pregnancy on USS?
Gestational sac: 4-5weeks
Yolk sac: 5 weeks
Embryo: 5-6 weeks
Fetal heartbeat: 6 weeks
How can fetal size/growth be measured on USS?
Crown-rump length up to 14 weeks
Head circumference 14-20 weeks
Also biparietal diameter, femur length, abdo circumference used for monitoring
You are reviewing the combined screening of a mother at 12 weeks gestation. The fetus has a nuchal translucency of 5mm and the mother has low PAPP-A. Should you refer to a fetal medicine unit? Justify.
No. Referral should be made if the NT >6mm or there are 2+ soft markers.
How is amniotic fluid assessed? What is normal?
Split the uterus into 4 quadrants. Then determine the maximum vertical pool and amniotic fluid index (add deepest pool in each).
Maximum vertical pool should be 2-8cm.
AFI should be 5-25cm in the 3rd trimester.
What can cause oligohydramnios? Polyhydramnios?
Oligo: Fetal urinary tract abnormalities eg. renal agenesis. FGR/placental insufficiency, NSAIDs, post-dates
Poly: congenital abnormalities affecting swallowing eg. duodenal atresia, cleft palate. Fetal anaemia, DM, multiple pregnancy
A woman is referred to the obstetric unit for a large SFH at 30 weeks gestation. On USS, the baby appears normal but there is a maximum vertical pool of 9cm. What are the next steps?
OGTT, maternal antibodies, Doppler USS of fetal MCA, consider offering amniocentesis and karytype (especially in cases of mod/severe poly eg. 12cm+)
What gestation is the fetal anomy scan done at?
18+0 to 20+6
What gestation is the combined screening test done at?
Combined test is 10+0 to 13+6, USS at 11+0 to 13+6
Which examinations/investigations should be done at every antenatal appointment?
- BP
- SFH
- Urine dip
Name some factors that would affect fetal growth.
- Maternal factors: age, parity, weight + height, ethnicity, medical conditions, obstetric complications, substance use
- Placental factors: pre-eclampsia, abruption, insufficiency
- Fetal factors: multiple pregnancy, congenital infection
T/F. Any women with low-lying placenta on the anomaly scan should be monitored for placenta praevia
- False
- Only if the placenta is covering the os at the anomaly scan should have a repeat scan at 32 weeks
How is chorionicity established?
- Intertwin septum thickness (thick –> dichorionic)
- Lambda sign, twin peaks at 9-10 weeks (dichorionic)
Why are musculoskeletal problems common in pregnancy?
Increased relaxin levels lead to softening of the ligaments and tendons, increased weight in the abdo causes strain on the back, etc –> backache, headache, neck pain, pubic symphysis pain
Why is constipation common in pregnancy? What treatment should be used?
- Progesterone causes decreased peristalsis and gastric emptying
- Conservative with high-fibre diet, hydration
- Lactulose if needed
What are the complications of hyperemesis gravidarum?
- Electrolyte disturbance
- Severe dehydration
- Vitamin deficiency
- Preterm labour
- LBW baby
How should hyperemesis gravidarum be managed?
-Assess severity with Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE)
Mild: oral antiemetics (promethazine, cyclizine)
Moderate (can’t keep down antiemetics, complications): admit, IV fluids, Pabrinex, antiemetics IV or PR, LMWH
How should GORD in pregnancy be managed?
- Conservative: small meals more frequently, elevation at night
- Medical: antacids, PPIs, antihistamines
How are haemorrhoids in pregnancy managed?
Conservative: high fibre diet, hydration (reduce straining)
Medical: creams
What is obstetric cholestasis? What is the management?
- Increased bile salts, causing itching and raised LFTs in the later half of pregnancy
- Ursodeoxycholic acid can reduce itching, but will not affect fetal outcome
- Delivery at 37 weeks offered to reduce risk to fetus (perinatal mortality)
How are varicose veins managed in pregnancy?
- Support stockings
- Avoid long periods of standing
When is oedema more worrying in pregnancy?
- Oedema in the feet and ankles is very common and normal in pregnancy
- When the oedema is elsewhere eg. hands, face, that is worrying and suggests possible pre-eclampsia
What are the complications of fibroids in pregnancy?
- Obstruction of the cervix during labour
- Red degeneration (fibroid enlarges and becomes ischaemic –> acute pain, tenderness, vomiting), can lead to preterm labour/miscarriage
A retroverted uterus can cause which problem in early pregnancy?
Urinary retention if it does not flip –> compresses the urethra
How does UTI present in pregnancy?
- Can be with classical symptoms
- Or often with back pain/loin pain with overall feeling unwell
- Tachycardia, pyrexia, dehydration
What is the management of UTI in pregnancy?
- Urine dip and MC&S important
- Encourage fluid intake
- Oral amoxicillin or cephalosporins are first line
What is the management of pyelonephritis in pregnancy?
- A-E
- Take bloods including FBC, CRP, U+Es
- IV fluids
- Analgesia
- IV antibiotics (cephalosporins or gentamicin)
- CTG to monitor baby
Name some risk factors for VTE in pregnancy
- Pre-existing: older age, obesity, smoking, thrombophilia, FHx of VTE
- Pregnancy-related: multiples, pre-eclampsia, C section, hyperemesis, sepsis
What is antiphospholipid syndrome? How is it diagnosed?
- Recurrent miscarriage/pregnancy loss and/or thrombosis with persistence of antibodies
- Lupus anticoagulant +/- anticardiolipin
Describe the investigation of VTE in pregnancy
-Symptoms of DVT (leg pain, unilateral swelling) -> USS, consider venography if indicated
Symptoms of PE (inspiratory chest pain, SOB) ->
-ECG and CXR in all. ABG if unwell
-if DVT symptoms, do USS and treat PE
-CTPA or V/Q scan (CTPA if CXR abnormal)
How is VTE treated in pregnancy?
- LMWH for the remainder of pregnancy, can switch to warfarin after or stay on LMWH for 6 weeks PN
- **If very unstable/massive PE with CVS compromise –> IV unfractionated heparin, monitor APTT
- Compression stockings
- Can consider IVC filter in large DVT
What are the considerations in the use of LMWH in pregnancy in terms of delivery?
- If planned delivery -> stop 24 hours prior
- When labour starts -> stop injecting
- Wait 4 hours after regional anaesthetic before restarting
Describe the guidelines for VTE prophylaxis during pregnancy.
1) If previous history of VTE not related to major surgery -> HIGH RISK: antenatal prophylaxis
2) Admission, predisposing medical condition, OHSS, surgery while pregnant -> MED RISK: consider prophylaxis
3) Obesity, older age, smoker, multiparity, multiple pregnancy, immobility, PET, FHx, IVF –>
- 4+ RFs -> prophylaxis from 1st trimester
- 3 RFs -> prophylaxis from 28 weeks
- <3 RFs -> mobilisation, hydration
Describe the guidelines for VTE prophylaxis after pregnancy (postpartum)
1) If needed antenatal prophylaxis or thrombophilia Hx –> continue 6 weeks
2) EMCS section, medical problems –> 10 days prophylaxis
3) ELCS, all the other RFs ->
- 2+ RFs: 10 days prophylaxis
- <2 RFs: early mobilisation, hydration
T/F. Alcohol use in pregnancy causes fetal alcohol syndrome
False.
- Small amounts of alcohol are probably OK
- > 1 pint can cause growth restriction
- Binging can sometimes cause fetal alcohol syndrome, though not always
What are the complications of smoking in pregnancy?
- Fetal growth restriction
- Placental abruption
- Increased perinatal mortality
You are the F2 in GP. A 32 year old woman comes to see you because she has had a positive urine pregnancy test. On questioning, she reports smoking 1 pack of cigarettes per day. Please counsel her.
- Want to know her thoughts/intentions towards stopping, if she has tried before and why it wasn’t successful
- Increased risk to both mum and baby of smoking
- But if stop smoking before 15 weeks, risks are the same as if never smoked
- We are here to help with smoking cessation
- Give information
- Refer to NHS Stop Smoking Services who can help with advice, regular support and counselling if you would like, and also prescribe medicines (nicotine patches, gums, etc)
Define oligohydramnios and polyhydramnious.
- Oligo: AFI <5th centile for GA or AFI <5cm
- Poly: AFI >95th centile for GA or AFI >25cm
Describe the types of malpresentation.
- Breech: frank/extended (legs straight up), complete/flexed (legs tucked), footling
- Transverse
- Oblique
What are the risk factors for breech presentation?
- Polyhydramnios
- Uterine abnormality, fibroids
- Multiple pregnancy
- Preterm delivery, SGA
- Placenta praevia
A woman is seen at her routine antenatal clinic appointment with the midwife at 36 weeks. On abdominal palpation, the baby is in the breech position. What is the management? How would you counsel her?
- Confirm breech presentation with USS
- 3 management options
1) External cephalic version (ECV)
2) Vaginal breech delivery
3) Elective C section - Explain the diagnosis of breech presentation, that this means we need to have a discussion about delivery because there are more risks involved
- Explain available options as appropriate, what they involve and the risks
Describe external cephalic version, pros + cons, complications, contraindications
- Manual re-orientation of the fetus from breech to cephalic presentation. Done at 37 weeks. Give tocolytic.
- Quick, safe, 50% effective, can be uncomfortable to the mum
- Contraindications: placenta praevia, oligo/polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancy, previous C section
- Complications: abruption, PROM, cord accident, haemorrhage, fetal bradycardia
What is the best management of a breech presentation at term? What are the risks?
Elective C section. This has more risks to mum than a vaginal breech delivery, but there is a high risk (40%) of needing an emergency section which is much more risky than elective.
-Risks of ELCS: pain, bleeding, infection. Future uterine rupture, future placenta accreta/percreta in the scar, future difficulties in planned CS
Which manouvres are used to deliver a vaginal breech?
- Pinards: to deliver legs if extended/frank breech
- Lovesets: to deliver the arms
- Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit: to deliver head
What are the risks of transverse/oblique presentation?
- Cord prolapse during SROM
- Failure to progress in labour –> death
How is transverse/oblique presentation managed?
- Version to make cephalic
- If version fails, admit to antenatal ward for monitoring due to risk of cord prolapse
- If still abnormal lie in early labour/SROM -> C section