Antenatal Problems Flashcards
Name some of the causes of abdominal pain in pregnancy
Foetal position Reflux Obstetric cholestasis Syphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) Constipation Placental abruption Uterine rupture
What are some of the minor symptoms of pregnancy?
Headaches, palpitations and fainting Frequency Abdominal pain, SOB Constipation and haemorrhoids Reflux and heartburn Carpal tunnel syndrome Rash and itching Ankle oedema Leg cramps Cholasma (mask of pregnancy) N+V
How is reflux in pregnancy treated?
Advised to avoid irritants such as spicy foods and coffee and raise the head of the bed.
Antacids and alginates are recommended. Sodium bicarbonate is contraindicated
What antacids are contraindicated in pregnancy?
Gaviscon liquid
Liquid Rennies
Anything containing sodium bicarbonate
How is constipation treated in pregnancy?
First line: lifestyle advice - increase fibre, fluids and mobility
Second line: ispaghula husk (bulk)
Third line: lactulose (osmotic)
What is the cause of symphysis pubis dysfunction?
Increased ligmental laxity due to increased levels of relaxin in pregnancy
What are the symptoms of SPD?
Waddling gait (antalgic) Tenderness of symphysis pubis joint
How is SPD managed?
Analgesia (paracetamol, codeine, dihydrocodeine)
Physiotherapy
What are the diagnostic criteria for obstetric cholestasis?
Pruritis + abnormal LFTs or raised bile acids
What are the symptoms of obstetric cholestasis?
Pruritis (esp of hands and feet)
NO rash
RUQ pain
Murphy’s sign positive
What bloods should be done in obstetric cholestasis and what results would be diagnostic?
LFTs: increased liver enzymes excluding ALP
Bile acids: raised
How is obstetric cholestasis managed?
Emollients for symptomatic relief
Antihistamines help with itching
Ursodeoxycholic acid
Delivery at 37 weeks
Should women with obstetric cholestasis be induced and why?
Yes, induction at 37 weeks
What monitoring should be done for women with a diagnosis of obstetric cholestasis?
CTG every 2/52
LFTs every 2/52
What are the risk factors for obstetric cholestasis?
ITCH mnemonic In the past (FH/previous) Twins Calculi (gallstones) Hepatitis C
What should all PV bleeding in pregnancy be treated as?
Threatened miscarriage until proven otherwise
What are the causes of PV bleeding in pregancy?
Normal spotting Extrachorionic bleed Post-coital bleed Ectropion Placental abruption Placenta praevia
What is the most common cause of 1st trimester bleeding?
Extrachorionic haemorrhage
What is an extrachorionic haemorrhage?
Collection of blood between the uterine wall and chorionic membrane
What are the risk factors for extrachorionic bleeding?
IVF
Multiparity
Increased maternal age
What sign present on USS indicates a extrachorinic collection?
Crescenteric collection sign
How is an extrachorionic haeomorrhage managed?
Nil - monitoring.
Bleeding usually resolved in 1-2 weeks
What are the symptoms of an extrachorionic bleed?
Light bleeding and spotting in early pregnancy
What are the complications of an extrachorionic haemorrhage?
Increased risk of:
- Miscarriage
- Abruption
- Preterm labour
What factor in extrachorionic bleeding makes a miscarriage more likely?
If the bleed is near to or over the internal cervical os
What is are the diagnostic criteria for hyperemesis gravidarum?
Severe nausea and vomiting
Weight loss more than 5% of prepregnancy weight
Dehydration
Electrolyte imbalance
What signs may be present in hyperemesis gravidarum?
Signs of dehydration: - CRT >2s - Dry mucous membranes - Reduced UO Tachycardia Epigastric pain Excessive salivation
When is hyperemesis gravidarum more likely?
Wks 6-11
What are the risk factors for hyperemesis gravidarum?
Primiparity
Multiple pregnancy
Infertility treatment
How is hyperemesis gravidarum diagnosed?
Fulfillment of all diagnostic criteria AND +++ urinary ketones