early pregnancy complications Flashcards
how is a miscarriage defined? (include early and late miscarriage
loss of pregnancy <24 weeks gestation
early: <13 weeks gestation
late >13 weeks gestation
what are the causes of a miscarriage?
chromosomal abnormalities,
congenital abnormalities
uncontrolled maternal disease - e.g. infection, diabetes, uterine anomalies, thrombophilia
what increases the risk of having a miscarriage?
maternal age >35 - chromosomal abnormalities
paternal age >45
chromosomal abnormalities in mother or father
uterine abnormalities - adhesions, fibroids
low BMI/ obese
folate deficiency
antiphospholipid syndrome / coagulopathy
smoking, alcohol, drugs (NSAIDs, aspirin)
previous miscarriage
consanguinity
if a pregnancy test is positive does this rule out a miscarriage?
a pregnancy test can be positive for several days post miscarriage
what are the clinical features of a miscarriage?
vaginal bleeding - passing clots/ products of conception
- if excessive can lead to dizziness, pallor, SoB
subrapubic cramping pain
significant number are found incidentally
what should you look for on examination if you suspect a miscarriage?
speculum examination - cervical os diameter, any products of conception or areas of bleeding
bimanual examination - assess for uterine tenderness or adnexal masses
what are the differentials to a miscarriage
implantation bleeding
ectopic pregnancy
hydatidiform mole
cervical/uterine malignancy
how does a threatened miscarriage present?
mild bleeding +/- pain, cervical os is closed
transvaginal USS - viable pregnnacy
what is meant by an inevitable miscarriage?
heavy bleeding, clots, pain
cervix os is open
TVUS - open os, viable/nonviable preg
what is meant by a missed miscarriage?
asymptomatic
TVUS - no fetal HR found, crown rump length >7mm
what is meant by an incomplete miscarriage
bleeding clots/ products of conception.
partially expelled
TVUS shows retained products of conception, AP endometrial diameter >15mm, proof there was a previous intrauterine pregnancy
what is meant by a complete miscarriage
bleeding, clots, POC , cervix now closed
TVUS - closed os, AP endometrial diameter <15mm, proof of previous intrauterine pregnancy (otherwise could be ectopic)
what is a septic miscarriage?
POC infection
fever, rigors, intrauterine tenderness
bleeding, discharge
raised WCC and CRP
how is a miscarriage investigated?
assessment in early pregnancy unit
use Transvaginal USS for definitive diagnosis:
1. look for fetal HR (usually first picked up around 6 weeks) - if present, no miscarriage
2. if fetal HR absent, look for fetal pole and measure crown rump length
- if >7mm = confirm miscarriage, with second opinion
- if < 7mm = wait 7 days and re-assess for fetal HR
3. if no fetal pole, measure gestational sac
- if >25mm = confirm miscarriage with second opinion
- if <25 mm = repeat scan in 7 days.
bloods:
- serial bHCG - for ectopic
- FBC, blood group and rhesus antigen
- triple swab and CRP is pyrexic
why is crown rump length and gestational sac measured In process of confirming miscarriage?
if crown rump is <7mm or gestational sac is <25 mm then measurement of fetal HR is inaccurate and cannot confirm a miscarriage based on the absence of fetal HR (may just not be visible at this point)
what are the 3 management options for miscarriage?
expectant/ conservative
medical
surgical
what is the expectant/conservative way to manage a miscarriage?
conservative - wait and see
allow products of conception to pass naturally over 2-3 weeks
must have 24 hour access to gynae services
repeat scan in 2 weeks or pregnancy test in 3 weeks.
indicated when <6 weeks and no pain
what is the medical way to manage a miscarriage?
Vaginal misoprostol (prostaglandin analogue) is given - cervical ripening and myometrial contractions are stimulated. (oral version also available)
Do not give misopristone
pregnancy test 3 weeks later
what is the surgical way to manage a miscarriage?
manual vacuum aspiration with local anaesthetic if <12 weeks - quicker, safer and less painful
if >12 weeks then evacuation of POCs under general anaesthetic - speculum inserted and suction of POC
need to screen for chlamydia before undergoing surgery
what are the advantages and disadvantages of conservative management of miscarriage?
no side effects of surgery/ medicine. can be managed at home
but takes longer and thus at increased risk of heavy bleeding. also unpredictable timing and more pain. higher chance of being unsuccessful
what are the contraindications of using a conservative method for managing miscarriage?
at risk of haemorrhage e.g. coagulopathy
what are the advantages and disadvantages of medical management of miscarriage?
advantage - quicker than conservative, at home, surgery avoided
disadvantage - side effects from medication (N+V, diarrhoea)
what are the indications for surgical management of miscarriage?
infection
gestational trophoblastic disease
haemodynamically unstable
what are the advantages and disadvantages of surgical management of miscarriage?
advantages - quick, planned time
disadvantage - damage to bowel, bladder, nerves, uterine rupture, ashermans (adhesions), infection (endometritis), anaesthetic risk
when is Anti-D prophylaxis recommended in miscarriage?
any surgical removal of miscarriage or ectopic DO NOT NEED if: - complete miscarriage - threatened miscarriage - medically managed miscarriage - pregnancy of unknown location
how is a septic miscarriage managed?
Abx, anti pyretics, IV fluids, surgical evacuation
define recurrent miscarriage
3 or more consecutive miscarriage (loss of fetus <24 weeks) with the same partner
what is the aetiology behind recurrent miscarriages?
systemic disease
- antiphospholipid, inherited thrombophilias (factor V leiden, protein S, C or ATIII deficiency) - risk of uteroplacental thrombosis
- infection - especially if pyrexia e.g. bacterial vaginosis in T1 can lead to miscarriage in T2
- endocrine factors: PCOS, diabetes, thyroid
anatomical defects
- uterine malformations - bicornate or septate uterus
- cervical weakness - dilates before pregnancy reaches erm
- adhesions and fibroids
chromosomal abnormalities
- balanced translocations or robertsonian translocation I leads to increased risk of unbalanced chromosomal rearrangements.
what are the risk factors for recurrent miscarriage?
same as risk factors for miscarriage
the number of previous miscarriages is an independent risk factor for future miscarriage
what investigations can be done in someone presenting with recurrent miscarriages?
anti phospholipid syndrome - ab screening: lupus anticoagulant testing, anti cardiolipin Ab, anti B2 glycoprotein Ab (need 2 positive tests, 12 weeks apart)
inherited Thrombophillia screen
pelvic USS to assess uterine anatomy
if abnormality found can do laparoscopy or hysteroscopy
karyotyping:
- cytogenetic analysis of products of conception for any chromosomal abnormalities
- if chromosomal abnormalities are found then can karyotype parental peripheral blood
how is recurrent miscarriages managed if a genetic abnormality is identified?
refer to clinical specialist to discuss gamete donation, adoption or just trying again
offer IVF and pre-implantation testing
genetic counselling
support and counselling for psychological distress.
how is recurrent miscarriage managed if cervical weakness was found to be cause of previous miscarriage?
cervical weakness - offer cervical cerclage = sutures used to close and hold cervix. If the patient decides to not have this then instead can offer cervical surveillance by USS.
what are the complications of cervical cerclage?
bleeding
membrane rupture
stimulation of uterine contractions
when is cervical cerclage indicated?
cervix shortening on USS
history of cervical weakness
symptomatic women with premature cervical dilation and exposed fetal membranes in vagina
how are recurrent miscarriages managed if thrombophilia/ antiphospholipid syndrome is identified as the cause?
low dose aspirin and LMWH
counselling and support for any psychological distress
How is infertility defined? (include primary and secondary)
inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse.
this may be primary - never previously conceived
or secondary - previous children.