Complications of Pregnancy

Question 1

A 30 year old multiparous woman presents with scant vaginal bleeding, severe hypotension and a tender
uterus at 36 weeks gestation. Foetal heart sounds are not detected.

Answer 1

Abruptio placentae

Question 2

A 26 year old multiparous woman presents with irregular contractions causing discomfort only in the third
trimester of pregnancy

Answer 2

Braxton-Hicks Contractions

Question 3

A 20 year old primigravid woman is brought into casualty following a fit in her 36th week of pregnancy. She
is noted to have a blood pressure of 170/110mmHg and 2+ proteinuria.

Answer 3

Eclampsia

Question 4

A 22 year old primigravid woman is seen in clinic at 28 weeks. She is noted to have ankle oedema and a
blood pressure of 160/110mmHg of Hg. Her urine demonstrates the presence of protein.

Answer 4

Pre-eclampsia

Question 5

A 28 year old primigravid woman presents with lower abdominal pain and a spiking fever 24 hours after
delivery of her baby.

Answer 5

Endometritis

Question 6

A 16-year old unbooked nullipara presents at 33 weeks’ gestation (by her dates). Abdominal examination
shows a fundal height measurement of 37cm with a cephalic presentation.

Answer 6

“Wrong dates”

Question 7

A 26-year old para 3 presents with a light painless bleed at 30 weeks’ gestation. Examination reveals her to
be undistressed, with no signs of shock, and a non-tender abdomen. The fetal lie is transverse.

Answer 7

Placenta praevia

Question 8

A 40-year old primigravida, with a twin pregnancy at 36 weeks’ gestation, gives a two-day history of troublesome itch of the palms and soles. There is no obvious rash and no jaundice, although her
transaminases levels and serum bilirubin are elevated.

Answer 8

Cholestasis of pregnancy

Question 9

An 18-year old primigravida, estimated to be 30 weeks’ gestation, is admitted with acute onset of lower
abdominal pain and slight vaginal bleeding. Her blood pressure 100/60 and she has a tense, tender abdomen and the fetal heart cannot be heard.

Answer 9

Abruption placentae

Question 10

A 28-year old para 1 has had an uneventful pregnancy and a normal detailed US scan at 18 weeks’ gestation. At 35 weeks, the fundal height measures 28cm and the liquor volume is clinically reduced.

Answer 10

Placental insufficiency