Delivery Before Term Flashcards
What is the definition of delivery before term?
Delivery at 24-37 weeks gestation, either spontaneous or iatrogenic.
What time scales are considered very premature and miscarriage?
- <34 weeks - very premature
2. <24 weeks - miscarriage
What are the causes of delivery before term?
- 40% unknown cause
- Multiple pregnancy, polyhydramnios, pre-eclampsia, IUGR, infection, placental abruption.
- Uterine abnormalities, cervical incompetence.
- Infection (BV, GBS, trichomonas, chlamydia)
- UTI, poor dental hygiene
What are the risk factors for delivery before term?
History or preterm delivery, extremes of maternal age, short interpregnancy interval, CKD, DM, thyroid disease, PET, IUGR, high Hb, male, STI, UTI, cervical surgery, multiple pregnancy, uterine abnormalities, polyhydramnios, congenital foetal abnormalities, antepartum haemorrhage.
How is delivery before term prevented?
- Cervical cerclage (keep closed)
- Progesterone supplementation
- Treat infection
- Foetal reduction
- Polyhydramnios treatment
What is this a presentation of?
Painful contraction, stops spontaneously in 50%, fluid loss could be present, dilated cervix, 35/40.
Potential for delivery before term.
How would you assess the likelihood of delivery in potential preterm delivery?
- If cervix unaffected - foetal fibronectin assay (should not be in vaginal secretion until 36/49.
- If negative, preterm delivery unlikely
- TV USS to assess cervical length, >15mm = unlikely to deliver.
How would you assess foetal state in potential preterm delivery?
CTG and USS
How would you assess infection in potential preterm delivery?
- Vaginal swabs
- Urinalysis and dip
- CRP and WCC
What are the five aspects of management in preterm delivery?
- Steroids
- Tocolysis
- Infection treatment
- Magnesium sulphate
- Delivery
What is the steroid regime for preterm delivery?
- Give between 23-34 weeks, IM betamethasone
2. Takes 24 hours to work so delivery is delayed using tocolysis
What is the tocolysis regime for preterm delivery?
- Nifedipine or oxytocin receptor antagonist
- Allows steroids time to act
- Delay labour, do not stop it
- Maximum use of 24 hours, do not use in infection
What is magnesium sulphate used for in preterm delivery and what is the regime?
- Neuroprotective for neonate
- Give <12 hours prior to planned delivery
- 4g IV between 23-34 weeks
What is the benefit of a vaginal preterm delivery?
Reduces neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
What should you do with babies born <28/40?
Wrap in plastic bag and kept under heat, 3 min delay in cutting cord (unless resus needed).