APH Flashcards
What is the definition of APH?
Vaginal bleeding from 24/52 gestation until prior to the birth of the baby
List the causes of APH.
Placenta praevia. Abruptio placenta. Local lesions. Vasa praevia. Infections. Coagulation defects. Polyps. Cancer.
What important questions must be answered on history?
Onset/ why/ how. Character of pain. Contractions?. Discharge?. Recent VE?. Amount of blood loss. Colour of blood. FM. Precious C/S. History of placenta praevia or abruptio.
What is placenta praevia?
Implantation of the placenta in the lower segment of the uterus, where the placenta lies in front of the presenting part.
How is placenta praevia diagnosed?
On USS if the placenta is less than 3cm from the margin of the internal os
Who is at risk of placenta praevia?
Asian women. Fetal malpresentations. Multiple pregnancies. Tobacco/ cocaine/ methamphetamine use. Age >35. Previous TOP. Previous C/S or other surgery. Previous placenta praevia. Uterine abnormalities.
List the complications that can arise from placenta praevia.
PPH. Preterm delivery. IUGR/LBW. Maternal shock. PROM. Placenta accreta/ increta/ percreta. Anaemia. Infections. Fetal hypoxia. Fetal death.
List the symptoms of placenta praevia
Painless bleeding. Bright red blood. Presence of FM and FHR. Low Hb. May be shocked. Uterus soft non-tender on palpation. Uterus normal size for dates. Fetal parts easily felt. Presence of abnormal presentation. Head easily balot-able above pelvis.
What are the characteristics of the bleeding in placenta praevia?
Painless. RecurrentNot continuousNot provokedMore heavy after 34/52Bright red.
What are patients with placenta praevia prone to and why?
PPH and abruptio Due to fewer oblique muscle fibres in the lower segment
How many different types of placenta praevia are there?
4
What is type 1 placenta praevia?
Lateralis (low-lying) placenta. Lower margin dips into lower uterine segment. Edge within 3cm of cervical os.
What is type 2 placenta praevia?
Marginal placenta. Within 2cm of cervical os but does not cover
What is a type 3 placenta praevia?
Partial or incomplete placenta. Placenta covers the os when closed but not when fully dilated
What is a type 4 placenta praevia?
Complete placenta.Covers the internal os completely and centrally, even when fully dilated.