Bleeding in Late Pregnancy Flashcards
What is the cut off for bleeding in early vs late pregnancy?
Early <24 weeks
Late >24weeks (after this point a baby is considered viable)
Maternal mortality due to haemorrhage in the UK is mainly static. TRUE/FALSE?
TRUE
around 9 in 100,000
The placenta is entirely foetal tissue. TRUE/FALSE?
TRUE
What are the functions of the placenta?
- Gas transfer
- Metabolism/waste disposal
- Hormone production (Human placental lactogen etc)
- Protective ‘filter’
What is the definition of antepartum haemorrhage (APH)?
- Bleeding from the genital tract
- after 24 weeks gestation
- and before the end of the 2nd stage of labour.
What are the potential sources of an antepartum haemorrhage?
Placental problem - previa/abruption Uterine problem - rupture Vasa previa Local causes - ectropion, cervical, vaginal indeterminate
What are the potential differential diagnoses for APH?
Heavy Show
Cystitis
Haemorrhoids
How can APH be quantified?
Spotting - staining, streaking, wiping
Minor - <50ml
Major - 50-1000ml (No shock)
Massive - >1000ml (+/- shock)
What is placental abruption?
- Separation of a normally implanted placenta before birth of the fetus
- Can be partially separated or totally separated
Placental abruption is diagnosed clinically. TRUE/FALSE?
TRUE
Describe the pathology involved in placental abruption
- Vasospasm
- Then arteriole rupture into the decidua
- blood escapes into amniotic sac OR under placenta AND into myometrium
- Tonic contraction
=> interrupts placental circulation
=> causing hypoxia
Results in Couvelaire (Bruised) uterus
What are the risk factors for a placental abruption?
- Pre-eclampsia / Hypertension
- Trauma/ Domestic Violence /RTA
- Smoking
- Drugs e.g. Cocaine/Amphetamine
- Medical Conditions (Thrombophilias/Renal/Diabetes)
- Polyhydramnios
- Multiple pregnancy
- Preterm-Prelabour Rupture Of Membranes
- Abnormal placenta
- Previous Abruption
What symptoms do patients suffering a placental abruption usually present with?
- CONTINUOUS Severe Abdominal Pain (Labour pain = intermittent)
- backache if posterior placenta
- Bleeding (may be concealed)
- Preterm labour
- maternal collapse
WHat clinical signs may indicate a placental abruption?
- Unwell/ distressed patient
- Uterus Large for dates/normal
- Uterine tenderness (Woody hard uterus)
- Foetal parts difficult to identify
Describe the foetal heart rate and CTG abnormalities seen in a placental abruption?
- Foetal Heart: bradycardia/ absent (IUD)
- CTG shows irritable uterus (1 contraction/minute) and Foetal HR abnormality (tachy, loss variation, decelerations)
How should a mother be resuscitated after a placental abruption?
- 2 Large bore IV access
- Emergency bloods
=> FBC, clotting, LFT, U/E, Cross match 4-6 units, Kleihauer (for FMH, checks if Anti D needed) - IV fluids (take care with Pre-eclampsia/ heart failure)
- Catheterise- hourly urine volumes
How should the foetus be managed in a placental abruption?
- Assess Fetal Heart: CTG then US if not heard
- Delivery:
=> Urgent C/section
OR => Assisted Rupture Membranes and IOL
=> Conservative Management (if minor)
What are the potential complications of placental abruption for the mother?
- Hypovolaemic shock
- Anaemia due to blood loss
- PPH (25% )
- Renal failure (renal tubular necrosis)
- Coagulopathy
- Infection
- Psychological (PTSD)
- Complications of blood transfusion
- Thromboembolism
- Mortality rare
What are the potential complications of placental abruption for the foetus?
- Intrauterine death(IUD)
- hypoxia
- prematurity
- Small for gestational age (SGA) and fetal growth restriction (IUGR)
HOw can placental abruption be prevented in high risk groups?
- Antiphospholipid Syndrome = LMWH + Low Dose Aspirin
- Smoking cessation
- Low Dose Aspirin
What is the difference between placenta praevia and a low lying placenta?
Placenta Praevia = placenta lies directly over internal os.
“low‐lying placenta” = placental edge <20 mm from internal os on transabdominal or transvaginal US
Why is the placenta lying in the lower segment of the uterus a problem?
- Obstructs passage during labour
- Located in the part of the uterus which dilates to accommodate labour rather than contracting
Previous caesarean section and multiple caesarean sections increase the risk of Placenta praevia. TRUE/FALSE?
TRUE
What other risk factors exist for placenta praevia?
- Previous placenta praevia
- Smoking
- Age (>40 years)
- Assisted reproductive technology
- Previous termination
- Multiparity
- Multiple pregnancy
- Deficient endometrium (endometritis, curettage, submucous fibroid)
How is placenta praevia screened for?
- Foetal anomaly scan includes placental localisation
- Rescan at 32 + 36 weeks if persistent placenta praevia or Low lying placenta
- Assess cervical length <34 wks for risk of preterm labour
- MRI if placenta accreta suspected
What are the usual presenting symptoms of placenta praevia?
- Painless bleeding >24 weeks
- Usually unprovoked (check for post-coital bleeding)
- Patient’s condition directly proportional to amount of observed bleeding