Early Pregnancy Complications Flashcards
what does a missed miscarriage look like at 8 weeks gestation?
an irregularly shaped gestation sac containing a small amniotic cavity and no foetal pole
minimal bleeding is a very common problem in early pregnancy - true or false?
true (20%)
what are the three different types of abnormal pregnancy outcomes?
miscarriage (normal embryo) ectopic pregnancy (abnormal site of implantation) molar pregnancy (abnormal embryo)
what are other causes of bleeding during early pregnancy?
implantation bleeding
chorionic haematoma
cervical causes (infection, malignancy, polyp)
vaginal causes (infection, malignancy)
unrelated (haematuria, PR bleeding etc)
what are the symptoms of a miscarriage?
bleeding (> cramping)
- period type cramps described
- passed products may be brought in
how can a miscarriage be diagnosed?
scan - help confirm a pregnancy in situ (+/- FH), in process of expulsion and empty uterus
speculum exam - is the os closed (threatened), products sighted at open os (inevitable) or in vagina and os closing (complete)
what are the symptoms of cervical shock?
cramps
nausea / vomiting
sweating
fainting
how is cervical shock treated?
resolves if products removed from cervix
resuscitation with IVI, uterotonics may be required
what are thought to be the different causes of miscarriage?
embryonic abnormality = chromosomal immunologic = APS infections = CMV, rubella, toxoplasmosis, listeriosis severe stress iatrogenic after CVS heavy smoking, cocaine, alcohol misuse uncontrolled diabetes
the pathophysiology of miscarriage is unknown but what is thought to occur?
bleeding from placental bed or chorion causing hypoxia and villous / placental dysfunction
this causes embryonic demise
what is early foetal demise?
pregnancy in situ
no heartbeat: MSD >25mm, FP >7mm
what is an anembryonic pregnancy?
no foetus, empty sac
when in a miscarriage would anti-D be given?
if surgical intervention needed
what is defined as recurrent miscarriage?
3 or more pregnancy losses
what are thought to be the potential causes of recurrent miscarriage?
APS (LAC, ACA, B2glycoprotein1)
thrombophilia (factor V leiden and prothrombin gene mutation, protein C, free protein S and antithrombin)
balanced translocation
uterine abnormality - late first trimester losses
what are the independent risk factors for recurrent miscarriage?
age and previous miscarriages
what is thought to decrease the chance of miscarriage in those with APS or thrombophilia?
use of LDA and daily fragmin injection after confirmation of viable IUP
what is thought to be a way we could minimise pregnancy loss in future?
progesterone vaginal pessary use
what is an ectopic pregnancy?
implantation is out with the uterine cavity
what are the common and uncommon sites of an ectopic pregnancy?
common - fallopian tube: interstitial, isthmic, ampullary or fimbrial
other - ovary, peritoneum, other organs eg liver, cervix, C-section scar
what are the common presentations of an ectopic pregnancy?
pain (dull ache to sharp stabbing) > bleeding
dizziness / collapse / shoulder tip pain, SOB