Early Pregnancy Complications Flashcards
What is measured in a urine pregnancy test?
hCG = human chorionic gonadotrophin
High sensitivity = can detect pregnancy as early as 20 IU
Where does fertilisation occur?
In the fallopian tubes
Where does the morula/blastocyst migrate to after fertilisation?
The uterine cavity = implantation occurs
What are the normal outcomes of fertilisation?
Embryo, normal in location and development, live birth
How common in minimal bleeding in early pregnancy?
Common issue = 20%
What are some abnormal pregnancy outcomes?
Miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy
What are some symptoms that commonly accompany bleeding in early pregnancy?
Pain (cramps), hyperemesis, dizziness/fainting
How may a miscarriage present?
Positive pregnancy test with varied gestation
Bleeding is most common symptom
May bring in passed products
What will a speculum exam help confirm in a miscarriage?
Is os closed (threatened), products sited at open os (inevitable) or in vagina and os closing (complete)?
What will a scan help confirm in a miscarriage?
Helps confirm pregnancy in-situ, expulsion or empty uterus
What are the symptoms of cervical shock?
Cramps, nausea/vomiting, sweating, fainting
When does cervical shock resolve?
If products are removed from cervix
May need IV infusion and uterotonics
What are some causes of miscarriage?
Embryonic abnormality or antiphospholipid syndrome CMV, rubella, toxoplasmosis or listeria Severe emotional upset or stress Following chorionic villus sampling Heavy smoking, alcohol abuse or cocaine Uncontrolled diabetes
What is the pathophysiology of a miscarriage?
Bleeding from placental bed or chorion leads to hypoxia and villous/placental dysfunction = causes embryonic demise
What are the types of miscarriage?
Threatened = risk to pregnancy Inevitable = pregnancy can't be saved Incomplete = part of pregnancy lost already Complete = all of pregnancy lost, uterus is empty
What is early foetal demise?
Type of miscarriage = pregnancy in-situ, no heartbeat, mean sac diameter >25mm, foetal pole >7mm
What is an anembryonic pregnancy?
Type of miscarriage = no foetus and empty sac
What investigations may be done for a miscarriage?
FBC, group and save, hCG, USS, histology
How are miscarriages managed?
Assess and ensure haemodynamic stability
May discharge or admit as inpatient
How are miscarriages treated?
Conservative, medical, manual vacuum aspiration, surgery = begin anti-D if surgery needed
Emotional support, info leaflets and support groups
What is recurrent miscarriage?
3 or more pregnancy losses
What are some causes of recurrent miscarriage?
Antiphospholipid syndrome or balanced translocation
Thrombophilia = factor V leiden or prothrombin mutations, protein C, free protein S, antithrombin
Uterine abnormality = 1st trimester losses
What are the independent risk factors for recurrent miscarriage?
Age, previous miscarriage
What was the PRISM trial?
Showed that progesterone may prevent miscarriage in women with bleeding in early pregnancy
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
Implantation outwith the uterine cavity
What are some common sites for ectopic pregnancy to occur?
Fallopian tubes, interstitium, isthmus, ampulla, fimbriae
What are some other sites an ectopic pregnancy may occur?
Ovary, peritoneum, other organs (e.g liver, cervix)
How do ectopic pregnancies present?
Pain. bleeding, dizziness/collapse, shoulder tip pain, SOB, pallor, haemodynamic instability, signs of peritonism, guarding and tenderness