Complications of pregnancy, labour and twins Flashcards
How can you clinically assess fatal growth?
Symphysiofundal height (in cms) - Measuring from symphysis pubis to the top of the fundus of the uterus – may not be central
note - turn the measuring tape upside down to reduce bias
How can you interpret symphysiofundal height?
Should be usually + or - 3cms of gestational age in weeks
e.g. At 32 weeks, a normal measurement would be 29 to 35 cms
What investigation would you do if you suspect the baby is large or small for dates?
Ultrasound scan
What measurements would you do on an ultrasound scan?
> Abdominal circumference
Femur length
Head circumference
What can cause a foetus to be small for date?
> Low BMI, maternal build > Age > Ethnicity, familial/ genetic > Social class > Smoking > Substance misuse > Alcohol use – fetal alcohol syndrome
> Maternal disease:
- Preeclampsia
- Chronic hypertension
- Severe asthma
- Autoimmune disorders eg SLE, antiphospholid syndrome
- Repeated antepartum haemorrhages
> Infections – Toxoplasma, CMV etc
> Fetal abnormality (eg gastroschisis), chromosomal abnormality like triploidy, Turners XO
What can cause a foetus to be large for date?
> Parity (multiparity)
> Ethinicity / familial / Genetic / social class
> Maternal diabetes
> Polyhydramnios:
- Maternal diabetes
- Fetal abnormality eg duodenal atresia, tracheo esophageal fistula
- Unexplained
> Multiple pregnancy
What tests would do to confirm fetal well being?
> Confirm good fetal movement
> Fetal Cardiotocograph (CTG)
> Good Doppler blood flow in umbilical artery on scan
What happens to mortality rates as there is an increase in number of babies in a multiple pregnancy e.g. twins, triplets etc?
Increases
What happens to cerebral palsy rates as there is an increase in number of babies in a multiple pregnancy e.g. twins, triplets etc?
Increases
What happens to average pregnancy length as there is an increase in number of babies in a multiple pregnancy e.g. twins, triplets etc?
Decreases
What happens to average birth weights as there is an increase in number of babies in a multiple pregnancy e.g. twins, triplets etc?
Decreases
What is chorionicity?
In a twin or multifetal pregnancy, the number of chorions in the placenta that supply blood and nourishment to the developing fetuses.
Twins sharing a common placenta may experience twin-twin transfusion syndrome; those with separate blood supplies have, on average, fewer perinatal health problems.
What is zygosity?
In the case of twins, whether developing from one zygote (monozygotic twins) or two zygotes (dizygotic twins).
What can lead to Twin to Twin Transfusion syndrome?
When there is chorionicity
Twins sharing a common placenta may experience twin-twin transfusion syndrome. There is an arteriovenous shunt in place.
Those with separate blood supplies have, on average, fewer perinatal health problems.
What is Dichorionic Diamniotic twins?
Two separate placenta and two sacs
What is Monochorionic Monoamniotic twins?
One sac and one placenta
Two sacs with one fused looking placenta - what is this called?
Either:
- Dichorionic diamniotic
- Monochorionic diamniotic
On an ultrasound what does a T sign indicate?
Monochorionic
On an ultrasound what does a Lamda sign indicate?
Dichorionic
What is the natural rate of twinning?
1:90
What is the incidence of monozygotic twins?
4:1000 pregnancies
What can cause an increase in the incidence of dizygotic twins?
> Increase of age > Parity > Weight > Height > Familial
What can cause an increase in the incidence of monozygotic twins?
There is a constant rate of 4:1000 pregnancies
When is multiple pregnancy suspected?
- Large for date uterine size
- Multiple fetal heart rates are detected
- Multiple fetal parts are felt
- HCG & maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein is elevated for gestational age
- Pregnancy with ART (Assisted reproduction technique)
How is multiple pregnancy confirmed?
Ultrasound
Monozygotic versus Dizygotic?
Monozygotic = One egg leads to twins (identical)
Dizygotic = Two eggs (ova) lead to twins (Non-identical)
Which type of twins are more common?
Dizygotic = 70-80% of all twins
Two eggs (ova) lead to twins (Non-identical)
What is the rate of monozygotic twins in all twins?
20-30% of all twins
What is the rate of monozygotic twins in all twins?
70-80% of all twins
How does monozygotic twins occur?
The cleavage of a single fertilised ova
What determines placentation of monozygotic twins?
The timing of the cleavage of the single fertilised ova determines plancentation
Which type of monozygotic twins has the lowest mortality rate?
Dichorionic/diamniotic monozygotic twins <10% mortality rate
When does cleavage occur to allow production of Dichorionic/diamniotic monozygotic twins?
Cleavage of the fertilised ova must occur within the first 3 days after fertilisation
What does it mean for monozygotic twins to be Dichorionic/diamniotic?
Each fetus will be surrounded by amnion & chorion (each fetus has its own placenta), much like dizygotic twins
What does it mean for monozygotic twins to be monochorionic/diamniotic?
Share single placenta but separate amniotic sac
What does it mean for monozygotic twins to be monochorionic/monoamniotic?
Share single placenta & single sac
Which type of monozygotic twins has the highest rate of mortality?
Monochorionic/monoamniotic
= Share single placenta & single sac
A mortality of 50-60%
What is the rate of Monochorionic/monoamniotic monozygotic twins?
<1%
When does cleavage occur to allow production of monochorionic/diamniotic monozygotic twins?
Cleavage occurs between days 4 and 8 after fertilisation
When does cleavage occur to allow production of monochorionic/monoamniotic monozygotic twins?
Cleavage occurs after the 8th day, usually between days 9-12
What is the mortality rate of monochorionic/diamniotic monozygotic twins?
Mortality of 25% in monochorionic/diamniotic monozygotic twins
If cleavage of monozygotic twins does not occur until after 12 days what is likely to occur?
Cleavage after 12 days
What is the incidence of conjoined twins?
1:70,000 deliveries
What is the most common types of fusion in conjoined twins?
Chest and/or abdomen
Which type of monozygotic twins can lead to twin-twin transfusion?
They need to be monochorionic so therefore:
1) Monochorionic / diamoniotic
2) Monochorionic / monoamniotic
Complications of multiple pregnancy?
- High perinatal mortality & morbidity (3-4 times higher than singleton pregnancy)
- Abortion(<50% of twins diagnosed in the first trimester result in live birth(vanishing twin))
- Nausea & vomiting
- Preterm labour (50%)(twins delver at 37 weeks, triples at 33 weeks, Quadruplets at 29 weeks)
- IUGR
- PET (3 times higher than singleton)
- Polyhydramnios ( in 10%)
- Congenital anomalies
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Placental abruption, placenta previa
- Discordant twin growth ( more than 20%discrepacy in fetal weights)
- Malpresentation, cord prolapse, Operative delivery
Causes of perinatal mortality & morbidity?
- Prematurity (Respiratory distress syndrome)
- Birth trauma
- Cerebral hemorrhage
- Birth asphyxia
- Congenital anomalies
- Still birth
What is the rate of twin-twin transfusion syndrome in monochorionic twins?
20-25%
Within twin-twin transfusion syndrome what happens to the recipient?
The recipient fetus will have heart failure, polyhydramnios, and hydrops
Within twin-twin transfusion syndrome what happens to the donor?
The donor will have IUGR & oligohydramnios
How would you manage twin-twin transfusion syndrome?
Management includes:
1) Amnio-reduction of the receipient twin
2) Intra-uterine blood transfusion for the donor twin
3) Selective fetal reduction
4) Fetoscopic laser ablation of placental anastomosis
How should you antenatally manage a multiple pregnancy?
> Adequate nutrition (300 additional calories per day per fetus)
> Prevent anemia
> More frequent antenatal visits
> Ultrasound:
- Assess chorionicity at 9-10 weeks
- Nuchal translucency at 12-13+ weeks
- Assessment of fetal growth & fetal wellbeing every 3-4 weeks from 23 weeks onward
> Multifetal reduction may offered for high order multiple gestation in the first trimester
> Preterm labour risk:
- Serial cervical length assessment
- Steroids for fetal lung maturation
What can be assessed in chronionicity by ultrasound in multiple pregnancy?
> Multiple gestational sacs > Conjoined twins > 2 yolk sacs > 2 gestational sacs > Twin peak sign (Lambda) Dichorionic twins > T sign monochorionic twins
What does twin peak sign indicate?
Twin peak sign = Lambda
Indicates Dichorionic twins
Management of labour in multiple pregnancy - lie of first foetus is cephalic?
Usually normal delivery
Management of labour in multiple pregnancy - lie of first foetus is non vertex?
Cesarean section
Management of labour in multiple pregnancy - lie of foetus locked (Breech-vertix)?
Cesarean section
What dictates the management of labour in multiple pregnancy?
Depends on presentation, gestational age, presence of fetal complications, experience of the obstetrician
What is shoulder dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia is when the baby’s head has been born but one of the shoulders becomes stuck behind the mother’s pubic symphysis
What is the dangers of shoulder dystocia?
> Damage to the brachial plexus
> Umbilical cord entrapment
> Severe brain damage or death due to hypoxia or acidosis if delay in delivery
Management of Shoulder Dystocia?
HELPERR:
1) H – Call for Help
2) E – Evaluate for Episiotomy
3) L – Legs (McRoberts Position)
4) P – Suprapubic Pressure
5) E – Enter Manouvers (Internal Rotation)
6) R – Remove the Posterior Arm
7) R – Roll the Patient (Onto all Fours)
What causes postpartum haemorrhage?
1) Thrombin causes
2) Tissue causes
3) Tone causes
4) Trauma causes
5) Other causes
What causes postpartum haemorrhage - Thrombin?
> Pre-eclampsia
Placental abruption
Pyrexia in labour
Bleeding disorders
What causes postpartum haemorrhage - Tissue?
> Retained placenta
Placenta accreta
Retained products of conception
What causes postpartum haemorrhage - Tone?
> Placenta praevia
Over distention of the uterus, multiple pregnancy, polyhydramnios, macrosomia
Uterine relaxants
PPH
What causes postpartum haemorrhage - Trauma?
> Caesarean section
Episiotomy
Macrosomia (>4kg baby)
What causes postpartum haemorrhage - Others?
> Asian ethnicity > Anaemia > Induction > BMI >35 > Prolonged labour > Age
What is primary postpartum haemorrhage?
In the first 24 hours after delivery >500ml blood loss
- > 500 is common 1/20
- Severe haemorrhage, >2000ml, is rare 6/1000
What is secondary postpartum haemorrhage?
> 24 hours to up to 6 weeks post delivery (Often caused by RPOC)
What is more common primary or secondary postpartum haemorrhage?
Primary which is 99% of all PPH
Management of primary postpartum haemorrhage?
> Call for help! > ABCDE... > Empty Bladder > Rub up fundus > Drugs > Surgical > Manage on clinical signs not just EBL > Fluid Replacement +/- Blood Products.
Management of primary postpartum haemorrhage - drugs?
1) Oxytocin 5iu slow iv injection
2) Ergometrine 0.5mg slow iv injection (not in HTN)
3) Oxytocin infusion
4) Carboprost 0.25mg im (max 8 doses
5) Misoprostol 800 micrograms
Management of primary postpartum haemorrhage - Surgical?
> Surgical:
1) Intrauterine Balloon tamponade
2) Interventional Radiology
3) B-Lynch Suture
4) Hysterectomy
What is cord prolapse?
Cord prolapse - the descent of the umbilical cord through the cervix alongside (occult) or past (overt) the presenting part in the presence of ruptured membrane.
What is the overall incidence of cord prolapse?
0.1-0.6%
Risk factors of cord prolapse - general?
> Multiparity > Low birthweight (<2.5 kg) > Preterm labour <37 weeks > Fetal congenital anomalies > Breech presentation > Transverse, oblique and unstable lie > Second twin > Polyhydramnios > Unenganged presenting part > Low-lying placenta
Risk factors of cord prolapse - procedure related?
> Artificial rupture of membranes with high presenting part
Vaginal manipulation of the foetus with ruptured membranes
External cephalic version (during procedure)
Internal podalic version
Stabilising induction of labour
Insertion of intrauterine pressure transducer
Large balloon Cather induction of labour
Management of cord prolapse?
> Call for Help!
> Replace cord into vagina (not uterus)
> Perform digital elevation of the presenting part
> Catheterise and fill bladder to elevate presenting part.
> Encourage mother to adopt Knee-Chest or left lateral position with raised hips
> Consider tocolysis
> Arrange for a Category 1 C-Section
> Use a gloved hand in the vagina to push the foetus up and off the cord
> Knee-chest (90o angle) position uses gravity to shift the foetus out of the pelvis
> Elevate the woman hips using two pillows and Trendelenburg (head down) position
How often is there failure to start abut?
Approx 1 in 5 pregnancies
What is the risks of use of prostaglandin/oxytocin to induce labour?
Risk of uterine hyperstimulation
What indications are there for induction of labour?
1) Diabetes (usually before due date)
2) Post dates – Term + 7 days
3) Maternal health problem that necessitates planning of delivery e.g. on treatment for DVT
4) Fetal reasons e.g. growth concerns, oligohydramnios
5) You may also see IOL for :
- social
- maternal request
- pelvic pain
- “big” babies
What is induction of labour?
Induction of labour is when an attempt is made to instigate labour artificially using medications and/or devices to “ripen cervix” followed usually by artificial rupture of membranes (performing an amniotomy)
What is the Bishops’s score?
The Bishop’s score is used to clinically assess the cervix.
The higher the score, the more progressive change there is in the cervix and indicates that induction of labour is likely to be successful.
What does the Bishops’s score use to asses the cervix?
1) Dilatation (in cm)
2) Length of cervix (in cm) (Effacement)
3) Position
4) Consistency
5) Station (in cm)
If cervix is not dilated and effaced (Low Bishop’s score) what can be done to induce labour?
Vaginal prostaglandin pessaries / Cook Balloon can be used to ripen (open) the cervix
Once cervix has dilated and effaced what is done next to induce labour?
An amniotomy can be performed
What is amniotomy?
Amniotomy is the artificial rupture of the fetal membranes (“waters”) usually using a sharp device e.g. amniohook
Once amniotomy has been performed what is used next to allow induction of labour?
Once amniotomy performed, IV oxytocin can be used to achieve adequate contractions – aim for 4-5 contractions in 10 minutes
What are causes of inadequate progress in labour?
> Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) > Malposition > Malpresentation > Inadequate uterine activity > Other reasons for obstruction (e.g. ovarian cyst or fibroid)
How is progress of labour evaluated?
Progress in labour is evaluated by a combination or abdominal and vaginal examinations to determine:
> Cervical effacement
> Cervical dilatation
> Descent of the fetal head through the maternal pelvis
What is inadequate uterine activity?
If contractions are inadequate the fetal head will not descend and exert force on the cervix and the cervix will not dilate.
How can the strength and duration of contractions be increased?
Giving a synthetic IV oxytocin to the mother
What is cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)?
It means that the fetal head is in the correct position for labour but is too large to negotiate the maternal pelvis and be born!
Types of passage and passenger issues in labour?
> Cephalopelvic diproportion (CPD)
Malpresentation
Malposition
Which types of lie are there?
1) Longitudinal
2) Oblique
3) Transverse
They can then be:
1) Cephalic/vertex
2) Breeched
3) Shoulder presentation
What does cephalic or vertex presentation mean?
Head first
What does breech labour mean?
Feet first
What is malposition?
> Involves the fetal head being in an incorrect position for labour and ‘relative’ CPD occurs
> Occipito-posterior & Occipito-transverse
What can cause fatal distress?
Too many contractions (Uterine Hyper-stimulation) can result in fetal distress due to insufficient placental blood flow.
How is fatal well being determined?
Intermittent auscultation of the fetal heart:
> Cardiotocography
> Fetal blood sampling
> Fetal ECG
When is fatal blood sampling used?
When there is an abnormal CTG
What is being measured when using fatal blood sampling?
> We can measure pH and base excess
> pH gives a measure of likely hypoxaemia
Which situation are there in which labour is not advised?
1) Obstruction to birth canal
- Major placenta praevia, masses
2) Malpresentations
- Transverse, shoulder, hand, ??breech
3) Medical conditions where labour would not be safe for woman
4) Specific previous labour complications
- previous uterine rupture
5) Fetal conditions
What is the rate of assisted/ instrumental delivery?
Around 15% of births
What are the risks of caesarean section compared to vaginal birth?
1) Infection
2) Bleeding
3) Visceral injury
4) VTE