Antepartum Haemorrhage Flashcards
List the causes of antepartum haemorrhage
Common:
- Undetermined origin
- Placental abruption
- Placenta praevia
Rare:
- Incidental genital tract pathology
- Uterine rupture
- Vasa praevia
Define placenta praevia
Placenta implanted in lower segment of the uterus
Classification of Placenta Praevia
- Marginal = in lower segment not over os
- Major = completely or partially covering os
List the risk factors for placenta praevia
- Twins
- High parity
- High maternal age
- Scarred uterus
What are the complications of placenta praevia?
- Obstructs engagement of the head
- Transverse lie
- Haemorrhage - may continue during and after delivery
- Placenta accrete - deep implantation in C-section scar which prevents placental separation
- Placenta percreta - penetrates uterine wall and into surrounding structures
How does placenta praevia present?
History:
- Intermittent painless bleeds which increase in frequency and intensity
- Asymptomatic
Examination:
- Breech presentation and transverse lie common
- Fetal head high and not engaged
- NEVER DO VE unless placenta praevia excluded
What investigations are performed for placenta praevia?
- US - make dx
- Repeat US at 32wks if diagnosed 2nd trimester
- MRI can be useful
- FBC
- CTG
- Clotting studies
- Cross match
Describe admission in pts with placenta praevia
- Necessary for all with bleeding
- Blood available
- Anti-D administered to Rh-, IV access, steroids if <34wks
- If asymptomatic delay admission until delivery
Describe delivery in pts with placenta praevia
- EL LSCS at 39wks
- Intraoperative and PPH common
- Earlier emergency delivery for severe bleeding
- Very preterm - prolonged with observation and transfusion
What needs to be done in delivery of a pt with placenta accrete or percreta?
- Anticipated and clear plan for EL LSCS
- Interventional radiology and surgical anaesthetic support
- Uterine incision away from placenta
- Tx of massive haemorrhage = compression with Rush balloon ,excision of affected uterine segment or total hysterectomy
Define placental abruption
When part or all of the placenta separates before delivery of the fetus
List the complications of placental abruption
- Fetal death
2. Blood transfusion, DIC and renal failure = maternal death (rare)
List the risk factors for placental abruption
- IUGR
- Pre-eclampsia
- Autoimmune disease
- Maternal smoking
- Cocaine usage
- Previous hx of placental abruption
- Multiple pregnancy
- High maternal parity
- Trauma
- Sudden reduction in uterine volume
How does placental abruption present?
History:
- Painful bleeding
- Pain constant with exacerbations
- Dark blood
- Degree of PV bleeding does not reflect severity
- Pain occurring alone = concealed
Exam:
- Tachycardia (profound blood loss)
- Hypotension
- Uterus tender; often contracting
- Severe = uterus woody and hard
- Fetal heart abnormal or absent
How is placental abruption investigated?
- CTG and US to estanlish fetal well being
- FBC, coag screen, cross match
- Catheterisation with hrly urine output, regular FBC, coags and U&E