Bleeding in Late Pregnancy Flashcards
what is the cut off for bleeding in early vs late pregnancy?
early = <24 weeks late = >24 weeks
maternal mortality due to haemorrhage in UK is mainly static - true or false?
true
around 9 in 100,000
the placenta is entirely foetal tissue - true or false?
true
what are the functions of the placenta?
gas transfer
metabolism / waste disposal
hormone production
protective “filter”
what is the definition of antepartum haemorrhage (APH)?
bleeding from the genital tract
after 24 weeks gestation and before the end of 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 foetus
can be partially separated or totally separated
placental abruption is diagnosed clinically - true or false?
true
describe the pathology involved in placental abruption?
vasospasm then arteriole rupture into decidua
- blood escapes into amniotic sac OR under placenta AND into myometrium
tonic contractions occur which interrupts placental circulation and causes hypoxia
results in couvelaire (bruised) uterus
what are the risk factors for a placental abruption?
pre-eclampsia / hypertension trauma / domestic violence / RTA smoking drugs eg cocaine, amphetamin medical conditions (thrombophilias, renal, diabetes) polyhydramnios multiple pregnancy preterm prelabour rupture of membrane abnormal placenta previous abruption
what symptoms do patients suffering a placental abruption usually present with?
continuous severe abdominal pain (labour is intermittent)
backache if posterior placenta
bleeding (may be concealed)
pre-term 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 (loss of variation, decelerations)
how should a mother be resuscitated after a placental abruption?
2 large bore IV access
emergency bloods
- FBC, clotting, LFTs, U&Es, cross match 4-6 units, Kleihauer (for FMH, checks if anti D needed)
IV fluids (take care with PET / heart failure)
catheterise - hourly urine volumes
how should the foetus be managed in a placental abruption?
assess foetal heart - CTG then US if not heart
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
SGA and IUGR
how can placental abruption be prevented in high risk groups?
antiphospholipid syndrome = LMWH and 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 <20mm 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 contraction
previous c section and multiple c sections increase the risk of placenta praevia - true or 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 weeks for risk of preterm labour
MRI if placenta accreta suspected
what are the usual presenting symptoms of placental praevia?
painless bleeding >24 weeks
usually unprovoked (check for post-coital bleeding)
patients condition directly proportional to amount of observed bleeding