Complications of Pregnancy Flashcards
1st Trimester Screen
- Screening test for genetic defects and fetal abnormalities
- Includes lab test and nuchal translucency ultrasound
- Timing 11w0d to 13w6d
Timing of 1st Trimester Screen
11w0d to 13w6d
Benefit of early US
- Detection of spontaneous abortions
- Anatomic defects
- Enlarged nuchal fold can also be found in cardiac defects (37% detection)
- Cystic Hygroma- defect of lymphatics- build up fluid in nuchal fold
Quad Marker Screen
- Screening test for genetic defects and some anatomic defects
- Strictly lab testing
- Labs- hCG, inhibin, Estriol, alpha fetoprotein (AFP)
Quad Marker Screen timing
15w0d to 22w6d ideally 15-18wks
Anatomy Ultrasound
- Standard 20 week ultrasound evaluating most fetal anatomy
Anatomy that can be visualized during an anatomy US
- Head
- Face/Neck
- Chest/Heart
- Abdomen
- Spine
- Extremities
- Genitalia
- Umbilical Cord
- Placenta
- Maternal Anatomy
Spontaneous Abortion (pregnancy loss or miscarriage) definition
Defined as nonviable intrauterine pregnancy prior to 20 weeks
15% of women experience one in their life
Spontaneous Abortion
Management of Spontaneous Abortions
- Complete Ab- Urine pregnancy test in 2 weeks
- Incomplete Ab- Evaluate bleeding, urgency to complete abortion
- May require D&C or medication, blood transfusion
- Inevitable Ab- Expectant, medical, surgical management
- Threatened Ab- 15-20% of pregnancies- 90% of pregnancies in this situation are not lost if fetal heart rate seen between 7-11 wks
Typically occurs due to incomplete abortion
Hemorrhage
Complications of Spontaneous Abortions: infection
- Will require D&C
- IV antibiotics
- Called Septic abortion
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Defined as 2 or more consecutive ultrasound-confirmed pregnancies lost.
3 consecutive pregnancy losses (do not need to be intrauterine)
Miscarriage risks per number of pregnancies
First pregnancy- miscarriage risk 11-13%
After 1 miscarriage- miscarriage risk 14-21%
After 2 miscarriages- 24-29%
After 3 miscarriages- 31-33%
Causes of recurrent Pregnancy Loss
- Advanced maternal age
- Uterine anomalies
- Fibroids, uterine septum, polyps, adenomyosis,
intrauterine adhesions, - Clotting issues
- Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome,
thrombophilias - Endocrine disorders
- Diabetes, Thyroid, PCOS, Luteal phase defect
- Autoimmune disorders
- Genetic defects
- Aneuploidy, chromosomal rearrangements
- External factors
- Environmental, chemicals
- 50% of the time, no cause is found
Workup for suspicion of recurrent pregnancy loss
Low hanging fruit first
A1C, TSH,
Antiphospholipid antibody testing
- B2 microglobulin, Anticardiolipin antibody, lupus anticoagulant
Uterine evaluation
- Hysteroscopy, saline infusion ultrasound, hysterosalpingogram, MRI
Genetic evaluation
Fertility specialist referral
Ectopic Pregnancy
- Definition- Extrauterine pregnancy
- Most in the fallopian tube, but also ovary, c-section scar, abdomen, etc.
- Rarely heterotopic ectopic includes intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy (IVF more common)
Clinical presentation of ectopic pregnancy
Most commonly vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain
- Some are found when the patient is asymptomatic
- Positive hCG, Ultrasound shows no intrauterine pregnancy
- Sometimes shows a pseudo-sac, but no yolk sac or fetal pole
- hCG over 3500 should be able to see an intrauterine pregnancy with fetal pole (not with twins)
- Presents either ruptured or unruptured
Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy
- Previous adnexal surgery, IUD in place, IVF, hx of PID, endometriosis, fibroids
Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy
- Ultrasound (note- ovarian cyst is not diagnostic)
- hCG
- Clinical evaluation
- US with adnexal pregnancy with FHR
- Visualization during surgery
Ectopic Pregnancy- Management
- Takes more time, not a guarantee it will work
- Minimally invasive
- Methotrexate- folic acid antagonist- Give in ED
and follow hCG levels to 0 - Only specific candidates apply (Size of mass,
hCG level, kidney/liver function) - Surgical management
Ectopic Pregnancy- Surgical Management
- Quick and definitive
- Laparoscopy, can consider evacuating uterus
as well - Will likely loose tube
- Complications of surgery
Molar Pregnancy
Definition- “Hydatidiform Mole” abnormal pregnancy caused by aberrant
fertilization. Characterized by abnormal chorionic villi
Complete vs. partial mole
Complete mole- 2 sperm in an empty egg. Higher hCG (300,000), 80% this type, cancer risk, increased theca lutein cysts, hyperemesis
Partial mole- 2 sperm + normal egg. Lower hCG, can have a fetus with heartbeat. Become hydropic. Misdiagnosed as abortion at times