Complications in pregnancy Flashcards
Define miscarriage
Spontaneous loss of pregnancy before 24 weeks pregnancy
Define abortion
Voluntary termination of pregnancy
How does a septic miscarriage occur
Infection occurring after an incomplete miscarriage
What are the symptoms of a threatened miscarriage
Vaginal bleeding with or without pain
Viable pregnancy within the uterus
Closed cervix on speculum examination
What are the signs of an inevitable miscarriage
Viable pregnancy within the uterus
Open cervix with bleeding which can have heavy clots
What is the treatment for missed miscarriage
- conservative first line usually
- prostaglandins
- surgical - SMM - surgical management of miscarriage
What is an ectopic pregnancy
Pregnancy implanted outside the uterine cavity
What is the presentation of an ectopic pregnancy
Period of ammenorhoea with a positive urine pregnancy test
- vaginal bleeding
- abdo pain
- GI or urinary symptoms
What is the management of an ectopic pregnancy
Methotrexate
Surgical - laparoscopy: salpingectomy
What is an antepartum haemorrhage
Haemorrhage from the genital tract after the 24th week of pregnancy but before the birth of the baby
How does placenta praevia present
Painless PV bleeding
Malpresentation of the foetus
What is the management of post partum haemorrhage
Oxytocin
Ergometrine
Carboprost
Tranexemic acid
Balloon tamponade - balloon filled with fluid placed in uterine cavity
Surgical - B lynch sutre, ligation of uterine arteries or hysterectomy
What is placental abruption
Haemorrhage resulting from premature separation of the placenta before the birth of the baby
What can increase the risk of placental abruption
Pre-eclampsia or chronic hypertension
multiple pregnancy
polyhydramnios
smoking
previous abruption
cocaine use
What test is done to predict a preterm labour
Fetal fibronectin
