Antenatal Care and Conditions Flashcards
What is primigravida?
Patient pregnant for the first time
What is multigravida?
Patient pregnant for at least the second time
When is the first trimester?
Start of pregnancy to 12 weeks gestation
When is the second trimester?
13 weeks to 26 weeks
When is the third trimester?
From 27 weeks until birth
When do fetal movements begin?
From around 20 weeks and continue until birth
When is the booking appointment?
Before 10 weeks, offers a baseline assessment and plans the pregnancy
When is the dating scan?
Between 10-13 weeks, gives an accurate gestational age from the crown rump length
Multiple pregnancies are identified
When is the first antenatal appt?
16 weeks, discuss results and future appts
When is the anomaly scan?
Between 18 and 20 +6
When are additional antenatal appts?
25, 28, 31, 34, 36, 38, 40, 41, 42
What additional appointments might be necessary in pregnancy?
Additional appts if higher risk or complications
Oral glucose tolerance test between 24-28 weeks if at risk of gestational diabetes
Anti-D injections if rhesus negative at 28 and 34 weeks
Ultrasound scan at 32 weeks for those with placenta praevia on the anomaly scan
Serial growth scans if increased risk of FGR
What is discussed at each routine antenatal appt?
Plans for the remainder of pregnancy and delivery
Symphysis fundal height measurement - 24 weeks onwards
Fetal presentation from 36 weeks
Urine dipstick for protein for pre-eclampsia
Blood pressure for pre-eclampsia
Urine for microscopy and culture
What vaccines are offered to pregnant women?
Whooping cough - pertussis from 16 weeks
Influenza in autumn or winter
What pregnancy lifestyle advice is given?
Take folic acid 400mcg before pregnancy to 12 weeks
Vitamin D supplement 10mcg daily
Avoid vitamin A supplements, eating liver or pate as vit A teratogenic at high doses
No alcohol or smoking
No unpasteurised dairy or blue cheese - listeriosis
Avoid undercooked or raw poultry - salmonella
Continue moderate exercise, avoid contact sports
Sex is safe
Flying increases risk of VTE
Care seatbelts above or below bump, not across
What can drinking alcohol in early pregnancy lead to?
Effects are greatest in first 3 months
Can lead to miscarriage, small for dates, preterm delivery, fetal alcohol syndrome
What are the features of fetal alcohol syndrome?
Microcephaly
Thin upper lip
Smooth flat philtrum - groove between nose and lip
Short palpebral fissure (width of eyes)
Learning difficulties, behavioral difficulties
Hearing and vision problems
Cerebral palsy
What does smoking in pregnancy increase the risk of?
Fetal growth restriction Miscarriage Stillbirth Preterm labour and delivery Placental abruption Pre-eclampsia Cleft lip or palate Sudden infant death syndrome SIDS
When can you fly in pregnancy?
Up to 37 weeks singleton
Up to 32 weeks with twins
After 28 weeks, usually need letter to airline from midwife, GP or obstetrician that pregnancy is going well
What booking bloods are taken?
Blood group, antibodies, Rhesus D status
Full blood count for anaemia
Screening for thalassaemia and sickle cell disease
Screening for HIV, Hep B, syphilis
Screening for Down’s initiated depending on gestational age, bloods for combined test taken from 11 weeks
What additional risks are measured at the booking clinic, and what plans are put in place?
Rhesus negative - book anti D prophylaxis
Gestational diabetes - book oral glucose tolerance test
Fetal growth restriction - book additional scans
VTE - provide prophylactic LMWH if high risk
Pre-eclampsia - provide aspirin if high risk
What is the combined test for Down’s?
First line and most accurate screening test
Performed between 11-14 weeks
USS and maternal blood tests
USS measures nuchal translucency; thickness on back of neck of fetus, in Down’s is greater than 6mm.
Test beta hCG - higher indicates greater risk
Pregnancy associated plasma protein A - lower indicates greater risk
What is the triple test for Down’s?
Performed between 14-20 weeks, maternal bloods
beta hCG - higher result is greater risk
Alpha fetoprotein - lower indicates greater risk
serum oestriol - female sex hormone, lower indicates greater risk
What is the quadruple test for Down’s?
Identical to triple test but also includes test for inhibin-A
A higher result indicates a greater risk
What is done following screening tests for Down’s?
Provides risk score
If risk is greater than 1 in 150, offered amniocentesis or chorionic villous sampling
Sample enables karyotyping
Amniocentesis US guided aspiration of amniotic fluid
Chorionic villus sampling ultrasound guided biopsy of placental tissue done before 15 weeks
What is non-onvasive prenatal testing?
Blood test from mother
Blood will contain fragments of DNA, some of which comes from placental tissue and represents fetal DNA
What can untreated hypothyroidism in pregnancy lead to?
Miscarriage, anaemia, SGA, pre-eclampsia for example
What is the treatment for hypothyroidism in pregnancy?
Levothyroxine T4
Can cross placenta and provide thyroid hormone to developing fetus, so dose needs to be increased, usually by at least 25-50 mcg
Treatment titrated based on TSH level
What medications to treat hypertension may need to be stopped in pregnancy?
ACEi e.g. ramipril
Angiotensin receptor blockers e.g. losartan
Thiazide and thiazide like diuretics e.g. indapamide
What epilepsy medication is safe in pregnancy?
Levetiracetam, lamotrigine and carbamazepine
What epilepsy drugs should be avoided in pregnancy?
Sodium valproate can cause neural tube defects and developmental delay
Phenytoin can cause cleft lip and palate
What RA drugs are contraindicated in pregnancy?
Methotrexate is teratogenic
can cause miscarriage and congenital abnormalities
What RA drugs are safe during pregnancy?
Hydroxychloroquine is the first line choice
Sulfasalazine considered safe in pregnancy
Corticosteroids may be used in flare ups
Are NSAIDs safe in pregnancy?
No, generally avoided in pregnancy unless really necessary e.g. rheumatoid arthritis
Block prostaglandins, prostaglandins important in maintaining ductus arteriosus, also softens cervix and allows uterine contractions.
Particularly avoided in third trimester as cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus and can delay labour.
What beta blocker is safe in pregnancy?
Labetolol
First line for hypertension caused by pre-eclampsia.
What effects can beta blockers have during pregnancy?
Fetal growth restriction
Hypoglycaemia in the neonate
Bradycardia in the neonate
What is the effect of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers in pregnancy?
Can cross the placenta and enter the fetus
Mainly affect the kidneys and reduce the production of urine and therefore - oligohydramnios - reduced amniotic fluid.
Also miscarriage, or fetal death
Hypocalvaria - incomplete formation of the skull bones
Renal failure in the neonate
Hypotension in the neonate
What is neonatal abstinence syndrome?
Withdrawal symptoms from use of opiates in pregnancy
Presentation is 3-72 hours after birth, irritability, tachypnoea, high temperatures and poor feeding.
Is warfarin safe in pregnancy?
Crosses the placenta, is considered teratogenic so should be avoided in pregnancy.
Can cause fetal loss
Congenital malformations, particularly craniofacial problems
Bleeding during pregnancy, PPH, fetal haemorrhage, intracranial bleeding
What are the complications of the use of lithium in pregnancy?
Particularly avoided in first trimester, linked with congenital cardiac abnormalities
Associated with Ebstein’s anomaly; the tricuspid valve is set lower on the right side of the heart towards the apex, causing a bigger right atrium and smaller right ventricle.
If lithium is used, levels need to be closely monitored - every 4 weeks, and then weekly from 36 weeks.
Lithium also enters breast milk and is toxic to the infant so should also be avoided when breastfeeding.
What are the risks of SSRIs in pregnancy?
Risks need to be balanced against the benefits of treatment, as risks of untreated depression can be very significant.
First trimester use has link with congenital heart defects
First trimester use of paroxetine - congenital malformations
Third trimester use has a link with persistent pulmonary hypertension in the neonate
Neonates can experience some mild withdrawal symptoms
What are the complications of using isotretinoin in pregnancy?
isotretinoin/roaccutane is a retinoid medication relating to vitamin A which is used for severe acne.
It is highly teratogenic causing miscarriage and congenital defects. Women need very reliable contraception before, during and one month after taking this.
What is the effect of rubella in pregnancy?
Rubella virus can cause congenital rubella syndrome during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, and the risk is highest before 10 weeks gestation.
Women should ensure had MMR vaccine, but should not have the MMR vaccination whilst pregnant as is a live vaccine.
What are the features of congenital rubella syndrome?
Congenital deafness
Congenital cataracts
Congenital heart disease - PDA and pulmonary stenosis
Learning disability
What is the effect of chickenpox during pregnancy?
Infection from varicella zoster virus
Can lead to more severe cases in the mother e.g. varicella pneumonitis, hepatitis, encephalitis
Fetal varicella syndrome
Severe neonatal varicella infection if infected around delivery
What is the treatment if not immune against chickenpox during pregnancy?
Check VZV IgG levels, if positive they are safe
Can be treated with IV varicella immunoglobulins as prophylaxis, these should be given within 10 days of exposure
If rash starts to appear in pregnancy, treat with oral aciclovir if present within 24 hours and more than 20 weeks gestation
What are the features of congenital varicella syndrome?
Occurs when infection is in first 28 weeks gestation
Fetal growth restriction
Microcephaly, hydrocephalus, learning disabilities
Scars, skin changes in specific dermatomes
Limb hypoplasia - underdeveloped limbs
Cataracts and inflammation in the eye - chorioretinitis
What is listeria and its effects in pregnancy?
Gram positive bacteria causing listeriosis, many times more likely in pregnant women.
Infection in mother can be asymptomatic, cause flu like illness, pneumonia or meningoencephalitis.
High rate of miscarriage, fetal death, severe neonatal infection.
Found in unpasteurised dairy products, processed meats, and contaminated foods.
What is congenital cytomegalovirus infection?
Occurs due to cytomegalovirus infection in mother during pregnancy.
Virus spread by infected saliva or urine of asymptomatic children.
Features include fetal growth restriction, microcephaly, hearing loss, vision loss, learning distability, seizures.
What is congenital toxoplasmosis?
Infection from toxoplasma gondii, higher risk later on in the pregnancy
Classic triad of intracranial infection, hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis - inflammation of choroid and retina
What is parvovirus B19?
Infection usually affects children, slapped cheek fifth disease with non specific symptoms and rash
What happens in parvovirus B19 infection in pregnancy?
Miscarriage or fetal death
Severe fetal anaemia
Hydrops fetalis - fetal heart failure
Maternal pre-eclampsia like syndrome
What is fetal anaemia following B19 infection and its complication?
Parvovirus infection of the erythroid progenitor cells in the fetal bone marrow and liver.
Infection causes them to produce faulty RBCs with a shorter life span.
This anaemia leads to heart failure - hydrops fetalis.
What is mirror syndrome?
Maternal pre-eclampsia-like syndrome.
Rare complication of severe fetal heart failure.
Triad of hydrops fetalis, placental oedema, oedema in the mother. HTN and proteinuria.
What are the tests for parvovirus in pregnancy?
IgM to parvovirus - acute infection within past four weeks.
IgG to parvovirus tests for long term immunity after previous infection.
Rubella antibodies - for a differential diagnosis.
What is the treatment for B19 infection in pregnancy?
Supportive treatment.
Need a referral to fetal medicine to monitor for complications and malformations.
What is the consequence of the zika virus in pregnancy?
Spread by Aedes mosquitoes or having sex with someone with the virus.
Can cause no symptoms, minimal or a mild flu-like illness.
Can lead to congenital Zika syndrome
Microcephaly, fetal growth restriction
Intracranial abnormalities e.g. ventriculomegaly and cerebellar atrophy
Use of viral PCR and antibodies to zika virus tested. Referral to fetal medicine for monitoring. No treatment.
What does rhesus positive or negative mean?
Whether the rhesus-D antigen in present on red blood cell surface or not.
What is the process of rhesus incompatibility in pregnancy?
If a woman that is rhesus D negative becomes pregnancy, the child could be rhesus positive.
If baby’s blood is in mother’s blood stream the baby’s RBCs display the rhesus D antigen.
Mum’s immune system recognises this as foreign, produces rhesus D antibodies and then is sensitised against the Rhesus D antigens.
In further pregnancies, mother’s antibodies can cross placenta and if baby is rhesus D positive, these will attach to fetus RBCs and cause fetus immune system to attack itself - haemolytic disease of the newborn.
What is the management of rhesus incompatibility?
Prevention of sensitisation
Anti-D injections to rhesus D negative women.
These attach to rhesus D antigens on fetal red blood cells in the mum so they are destroyed and not recognised by mum’s immune system.
When are anti-D injections given?
28 weeks gestation
Birth if baby’s blood group is found to be rhesus positive
Can also be given when sensitisation may occur e.g. antepartum haemorrhage, amniocentesis, abdominal trauma
Given 72 hours after sensitisation event
What is the Kleihauer test?
After 20 weeks gestation, performed to see how much fetal blood has passed into mum during sensitisation.
Acid added to sample of mum’s blood. Fetal haemoglobin more resistant to the acid so resistant to acidosis.
So fetal haemoglobin persists whereas mother’s hb destroyed, so no of cells still containing hb is then fetal cells.
What is small for gestational age?
A fetus that measures below the 10th centile for their gestational age.
What measurements on ultrasound are used to assess the fetal size?
Estimated fetal weight EFW
Fetal abdominal circumference
What are customised growth charts based on?
Ethnic group
Weight
Height
Parity
What is severe SGA?
Below the 3rd centile for their gestational age.
What is low birth weight?
Birth weight of less than 2500g.
What is the difference between SGA and FGR?
SGA small for the dates without stating why.
May be constitutionally small, but growing appropriately and not at risk of any complications. Or may be small due to a pathology e.g. FGR.
What are the causes of FGR?
Also known as IUGR
When small fetus, or not growing as expected due to pathology reducing amount of nutrients and oxygen being delivered to the fetus through the placenta.
What are the causes of fetal growth restriction?
Placenta mediated - idiopathic, pre-eclampsia, maternal smoking, alcohol, anaemia, malnutrition, infection, maternal health conditions
Non-placenta medicated growth restriction - pathology of the fetus, e.g. genetics, structural, infection, errors of metabolism
What signs may indicated a fetal growth restriction?
SGA
Reduced amniotic fluid volume
Abnormal doppler studies
Reduced fetal movements
Abnormal CTGs
What are the complications of a fetal growth restriction?
Short term complications Fetal death or stillbirth Birth asphyxia Neonatal hypothermia Neonatal hypoglycaemia
Cardiovascular disease HTN T2 DM Obesity Mood and behavioural problems
What are the risk factors for a SGA baby?
Previous SGA baby Obesity Smoking Diabetes Existing HTN Pre-eclampsia Older mother - over 35
What are the minor risk factors for SGA babies?
Maternal age >35 IVF singleton Nulliparity BMI <20 Smoker 1-10 Low fruit intake pre-pregnancy Previous pre-eclampsia Pregnancy interval <6 months Pregnancy interval >60 months
What are major risk factors for SGA babies?
Maternal age >40 Smoker >11 a day Paternal SGA Cocaine Daily vigorous exercise Previous SGA Previous stillbirth Maternal SGA Chronic HTN Diabetes with vascular disease Renal impairment Antiphospholipid syndrome Heavy bleeding
What is the screening process for SGA?
Booking assessment demonstrates either 3 or more minor risk factors, or one major risk factor
Consider aspirin at <16 weeks if risk of pre-eclampsia
Reassess at 20 weeks
If 3 or more minor risk factors then, uterine artery doppler at 20-24 weeks
Serial assessment of fetal size, and umbilical artery doppler
What monitoring is advised for SGA?
Estimated fetal weight and abdominal circumference to determine growth velocity
Umbilical arterial pulsatility index to measure flow through umbilical artery
Amniotic fluid volume
What investigations are suggested to identify the underlying cause of SGA?
Blood pressure and urine dipstick for pre-eclampsia
Uterine artery doppler scanning
Detailed fetal anatomy scan by fetal medicine
Karyotyping for chromosomal abnormalities
Testing for infection
What is large for gestational age?
Macrosomia
When the weight of the newborn is more than 4.5kg at birth
During pregnancy; estimated fetal weight is above the 90th centile
What are the causes of macrosomia?
Constitutional Maternal diabetes Previous macrosomia Maternal obesity or rapid weight gain Overdue Male baby
What are the risks to the mother of macrosomia?
Shoulder dystocia Failure to progress Perineal tears Instrumental delivery Caesarean PPH Uterine rupture
What are the risks to the mother in macrosomia?
Birth injury e.g. Erb’s, clavicular fracture, fetal distress, hypoxia
Neonatal hypoglycaemia
Obesity in childhood and later life
Type 2 diabetes in adulthood
What are the investigations for macrosomia/LGA?
Ultrasound to exclude polyhydramnios and estimate fetal weight
Oral glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes
How can the risks of shoulder dystocia at birth be reduced?
Delivery on consultant led unit
Delivery by an experienced midwife or obstetrician
Access to obstetrician or theatres if required
Active management of third stage delivery - placenta
Early decision for caesarean section if required
Paediatrician attending the birth
What are monozygotic twins?
Identical from a single zygote
What are dizygotic twins?
Non-identical from two different zygotes
What is monoamniotic twins?
Single amniotic sac
What is monochorionic?
Share a single placenta
Which twins have the best outcomes?
Diamniotic dichorionic as each fetus has their own nutrient supply
What is the lambda sign seen on USS?
Twin peak sign
Triangular appearance where the membrane between the twins meets the chorion - indicates a dichorionic twin pregnancy.
What is the T sign seen on USS?
Membrane between the twins abruptly meets the chorion, giving it a T appearance. Indicates a monochorionic twin pregnancy.
What are the risks to the mother in multiple pregnancy?
Anaemia Polyhydramnios Hypertension Malpresentation Spontaneous preterm birth Instrumental delivery or caesarean PPH
What are the risks to fetus/neonates in multiple pregnancy?
Miscarriage Stillbirth FGR Prematurity Twin-twin transfusion syndrome Twin anaemia polycythaemia sequence Congenital abnormalities
What is twin-twin transfusion syndrome?
feto-fetal if more than two fetuses
One fetus is a recipient and gets most of the blood from the placenta, and the other is the donor.
Recipient can become fluid overloaded, heart failure and polyhydramnios whereas donor has GR, anaemia and oligohydramnios.
Laser treatment may be needed to destroy connection between two blood supplies.
When are FBCs required for women with multiple pregnancy?
Additional monitoring for anaemia
FBC at booking, 20 weeks and 28 weeks
What additional USS are required in multiple pregnancy?
Monitors fetal growth restriction, unequal growth and twin-twin transfusion.
2 weekly scans from 16 weeks if monochorionic
4 weekly from 20 weeks if dichorionic
When is a planned birth offered in multiple pregnancy?
32 - 33+6 if uncomplicated monochorionic monoamniotic
37-37+6 if dichorionic and diamniotic
Before 35+6 for triplets
What delivery options are available for diamniotic twins?
Vaginal when first baby has cephalic presentation
Caesarean section may be needed for second baby after successful birth of first
Elective caesarean when presenting twin not cephalic
What is the presentation of a lower UTI in pregnancy?
Dysuria Suprapubic pain Increased frequency Urgency Incontinence Haematuria
What is the presentation of pyelonephritis in pregnancy?
Fever - more prominent than lower UTI Loin, suprapubic or back pain, bilateral or unilateral Look/feel generally unwell Vomiting Loss of appetite Haematuria Renal angle tenderness
What is seen on urine dipstick in UTI in pregnancy?
Nitrites - from gram neg bacteria e.g. E Coli
Leukocytes - WBCs, raised in infection
MSU sample sent to micro for culture and sensitivity
Pregnant women tested for asymptomatic bacteriuria at booking and routinely.
What are the causes of UTI in pregnancy?
E Coli Klebsiella pneumoniae Enterococcus Pseudomonas aeruginosa Staph saprophyticus Candida
What is the management of UTI in pregnancy?
7 days antibiotics
Nitrofurantoin - not in third trimester
Amoxicillin, once sensitivities known
Cefalexin
What is the risk of nitrofurantoin in the third trimester?
Risk of neonatal haemolysis - destruction of neonatal red blood cells
Why must trimethoprim be avoided in pregnancy?
Works as folate antagonist
Folate needed for normal development, otherwise can lead to congenital malformations and neural tube defects e.g. spina bifida
When are women routinely scanned for anaemia during pregnancy?
Booking clinic
28 weeks gestation
Why is anaemia common in pregnancy?
Plasma volume increases
Results in reduction in Hb concentration
Blood is diluted due to higher plasma volume
What is the presentation of anaemia in pregnancy?
Often asymptomatic Shortness of breath Fatigue Dizziness Pallor
What are the normal ranges of haemoglobin during pregnancy?
Booking - >110
28 weeks - >105
Post partum - >100
What are the investigations for anaemia in pregnancy?
FBC Check MCV Low - iron deficiency Normal - physiological anaemia due to increased plasma volume Raised - B12 or folate deficiency
Haemoglobinopathy screening at the booking clinic for thalassaemia and sickle cell
Check ferritin, B12, folate
What is the management of anaemia in pregnancy?
Iron replacement e.g. ferrous sulphate 200mg 3x a day
If not anaemic, but low ferritin indicating low iron, given supplementary iron
If low B12, test for pernicious anaemia - check for intrinsic factor antibodies
IM hydroxocobalamin injections
Oral cyanocobalamin tablets
All women should already be taking 400mcg folic acid every day, if deficiency start on 5mg daily
Those with a haemoglobinopathy managed with haematology, high dose of folic acid needed
When is the risk of PE greatest?
In the postpartum period
What are the risk factors for VTE in pregnancy?
Smoking Parity >3 Age >35 BMI >30 Reduced mobility Pre-eclampsia Gross varicose veins Immobility Family history of VTE Thrombophilia IVF pregnancy
When should VTE prophylaxis be started in pregnancy?
First trimester if there are 4 or more risk factors or history of VTE
28 weeks if there are 3 risk factors
When might VTE prophylaxis be considered, even in the absence of other risk factors?
Hospital admission Surgical procedure Previous VTE Medical conditions e.g. cancer, arthritis High risk thrombophilias Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
What VTE prophylaxis is administered in pregnancy?
LMWH - enoxaparin, dalteparin, tinzaparin
Omit 12 hours before labour if possible, or when labour starts, can restart immediately after delivery except if PPH, spinal anaesthesia, epidurals.
If LMWH contraindicated, mechanical prophylaxis with intermittent pneumatic compression and anti-embolism compression stockings.
Continue throughout antenatal period from when first given, and continued for 6 weeks postnatally.
What is the presentation of DVT in pregnancy?
Unilateral, bilateral rare, bilateral symptoms due to chronic venous or pre-eclampsia.
Calf or leg swelling Dilated superficial veins Tenderness to calf, over deep veins Oedema Colour changes to leg
Measure calf 10cm below tibial tuberosity; >3cm difference is significant.
What is the presentation of a PE in pregnancy?
Have low threshold for suspecting PE.
SOB, cough with or without blood Pleuritic chest pain Hypoxia Tachycardia Raised respiratory rate Low grade fever Haemodynamic instability causing hypotension
What is used for the diagnosis of DVT in pregnancy?
Doppler ultrasound
Repeat negative ultrasound scans on day 3 and 7 in patients with high index of suspicion for DVT
What is used for the investigation of PE in pregnancy?
Chest X Ray
ECG
CTPA
VQ scan
What are the risks of CTPA and VQ scan in pregnancy?
CTPA choice for those with abnormal CXR
CTPA higher risk of breast cancer for mother
VQ scan higher risk of childhood cancer for fetus
Both minimal absolute risk
Pts with suspected DVT and PE should have doppler initially, and if DVT present do not require CTPA or VQ.
Is the Wells score valid in pregnancy?
No
D-dimers not helpful in pregnancy either as pregnancy is a cause of a raised D-dimer.
What is the management of VTE in pregnancy?
LMWH
Dose based on woman’s weight at booking
Start immediately, before confirming diagnosis
If confirmed, continue for remainder of pregnancy and 6 weeks postnatally, or 3 months in total whichever is longer.
Can switch to oral anticoagulation e.g. warfarin or DOAC after delivery.
What are the treatment options for massive PE?
Haemodynamically compromised
Unfractionated heparin
Thrombolysis
Surgical embolectomy
What is pre-eclampsia?
New high blood pressure in pregnancy
Endo organ dysfunction with proteinuria
Occurs after 20 weeks gestation, the spiral arteries of the placenta form abnormally so leads to high vascular resistance.
What is the presentation of pre-eclampsia?
Triad of hypertension, proteinuria and oedema
Also headaches, visual disturbance or blurriness
Nausea and vomiting, upper abdo pain, epigastric pain due to liver swelling
Reduced urine output
Brisk reflexes
What is chronic hypertension in pregnancy?
High blood pressure that exists before 20 weeks gestation and is longstanding.
Not caused by dysfunction in placenta.
Not classed as pre-eclampsia.
What is pregnancy-induced hypertension/gestational hypertension?
Hypertension occurring after 20 weeks gestation, without proteinuria.
What is eclampsia?
When seizures occurs as a result of pre-eclampsia.
What is the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia?
Blastocyst implants in endometrium and syncytiotrophoblast grows into the endometrium and forms chorionic villi containing blood vessels.
Trophoblast invasion causes spiral arteries to become more fragile, so that blood flow to there can increase and create lacunae at 20 weeks gestation.
If lacunae process is inadequate - pre-eclampsia, high vascular resistance in spiral arteries and poor perfusion of placenta.
Causes oxidative stress in the placenta, inflammatory chemicals released in systemic circulation.
What are the high risk factors for pre-eclampsia?
Pre-existing hypertension Previous hypertension in pregnancy Existing autoimmune conditions e.g. SLE Diabetes Chronic kidney disease
What are the moderate risk factors for pre-eclampsia?
Older than 40 BMI > 35 More than 10 years since previous pregnancy Multiple pregnancy First pregnancy Family history of pre-eclampsia
Who is offered aspirin for prophylaxis against pre-eclampsia?
Women offered aspirin from 12 weeks until birth if they have one high risk factor or more than one moderate risk factor
What are the criteria for a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia?
Systolic blood pressure above 140mmHg
Diastolic blood pressure above 90mmHg
Plus any of
Proteinuria - 1+ or more on dipstick
Organ dysfunction e.g. raised creatinine, elevated liver enzymes, seizures, thrombocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia
Placental dysfunction e.g. fetal growth restriction or abnormal Doppler studies
How can proteinuria in pre-eclampsia be quantified?
Urine albumin:creatinine ratio - above 30mg/mmol
Urine protein:creatinine ratio - above 8mg/mmol
What is PIGF testing?
Placental growth factor is a protein released by the placenta that functions to stimulate new blood vessels., in pre-eclampsia levels of PIGF are low.
Test PIGF between 20-35 weeks to rule it out.