Female Reproductive System Complications Of Pregnancy

Question 1

Abruptio placentae

Answer 1

• Latin, “breaking off”
• Premature separation of a normally implanted placenta before full term
• Occurs in only about 1% of pregnancies
• Has a 20-4-% fetal mortality rate and is significant contributor to maternal mortality

Question 2

Placenta previa

Answer 2

• Latin, “leading the way”
• A placenta implanted over the cervical region of the uterus blocking the entrance to the birth canal
• Occurs in less than one percent of pregnancies, but can cause significant bleeding and require a complicated delivery

Question 3

Eclampsia

Answer 3

• Toxemia of pregnancy
• A serious and life-threatening condition that may develop during pregnancy involving hypertension, convulsions and coma
• A less severe form, preeclampsia, may develop but can be managed if identified and treated early

Question 4

Ectopic pregnancy

Answer 4

• Greek “out of place”
• A pregnancy implanted anywhere outside of the uterus
• The uterine tube (Fallopian tube) is the most common location, also called a “tubal pregnancy”
• The abdominal cavity is the least common location
• Occurs in about 2% of pregnancies
• When it occurs, it is a surgical emergency, because the uterine tube cannot sustain tremendous expansion like the uterus
• Eventually, the uterine tube will rupture with severe, possibly fatal, hemorrhaging