Foetus and monitoring Flashcards
Monozygotic twin means?
Identical twins from a single zygote
Dizygotic twin means?
Non-identical twins from two different zygotes
Monoamniotic means?
Single amniotic sac
Diamniotic means?
Two separate amniotic sacs
Monochorionic means?
Share single placenta
Dichorionic means?
Two separate placentas
Best outcomes for twins are with ______, ______ pregnancies as each fetus has their own nutrient supply.
Diamniotic
Dichorionic
Dichoronic, diamniotic twins are differentiated how using USS?
Dichoronic, diamniotic twins have membrane between them.
Lambda sign/ twin peak sign
What is the lambda sign/twin peak sign?
Occurs in USS with dichorionic, diamniotic twins.
Triangular appearance where membrane between the twins meets the chorion (as the chorion blends partially in the membrane).
Monochoronic, diamniotic twins are differentiated how using USS?
Monochoronic, diamniotic twins have a membrane between them.
T sign
What is the T sign?
Occurs in USS with monochoronic, diamniotic twins.
Membrane between the twins abruptly meets the chorion, giving a T appearance.
What are maternal risks associated with multiple pregnancies?
Anaemia Polyhydramnios HTN Malpresentation Spontaneous preterm birth Instrument/C-section delivery PPH
What are foetal/neonatal risks associated with multiple pregnancies?
Miscarriage Stillbirth Fetal growth restriction Prematurity Twin-twin transfusion syndrome Twin anaemia polycythaemia seqeuence Congenital abnormalities
What is twin-twin tranfusion syndrome?
Occurs when foetuses share a placenta.
One twin gets more of the blood (recipient) than the other (donor).
Recipient - fluid overloaded, heart failure, polyhydramnios
Donar - FGR, anaemia, oligohydramnios
Size difference between the fetuses!
How is twin-twin transfusion syndrome managed?
Referral to tertiary specialist fetal medicine centre
(If severe) - laser treatment to destroy connection between the 2 blood supplies
What is twin anaemia polycythaemia sequence?
Similar to twin-twin transfusion syndrome, happens with twins sharing 1 placenta.
Difference is it’s less acute.
One twin becomes anaemia while other gets polycythaemia.
When women with multiple pregnancies are monitored for anaemia, their FBC is taken at which 3 time points?
Booking clinic
20 weeks
28 weeks
USS is used in multiple pregnancy women to monitor for which 3 issues?
FGR
Unequal growth
Twin-twin transfusion syndrome
USS scans of multiple pregnancy women are done at which time periods?
2 weekly scans from 16 weeks + for monochorionic twins
4 weekly scans from 20 weeks for dichorionic twins
Why is planned birth offered to women with multiple pregnancies?
Decrease risk of fetal death.
Allows timing of birth to reduce complications.
Allow corticosteroids to be administered before delivery to help lungs mature.
Monoamniotic twins require what form of delivery between 32 - 34 weeks?
Elective C-section
Diamniotic twins can be delivered how?
Vaginal delivery (if cephalic)
C-section (for 2nd baby after 1st successfully born)
Elective caesarean when presenting twin is not cephalic
Prematurity is defined as birth before __ weeks gestation
37 weeks
Babies are considered non-viable below __ weeks gestation.
23 weeks
Prematurity is classed as:
Extreme preterm -> 1.
Very preterm -> 2
Moderate to late preterm -> 3
- Under 28 weeks
- 28-32 weeks
- 32-37 weeks
What 2 methods can be used as prophylaxis against preterm labour?
Vaginal progesterone
Cervical cerclage
Progesterone is given as a vaginal pessary/gel why?
How does it work?
Prophylaxis against preterm labour.
Maintains pregnancy, prevents labour by decreasing myometrium activity and prevents cervix remodelling in preparation for delivery.
What is the criteria for offering vaginal progesterone to women?
Risk of preterm labour
Cervical length less than 25mm on vaginal USS between 16-24 weeks gestation
What is cervical cerclage and why is it used?
Put stitch in cervix to add support and keep it closed.
Stitch removed when woman goes into labour or reaches term.
Used prophylactically against preterm labour
When is “rescue” cervical cerclage used?
Between 16 and 27+6 weeks when there is cervical dilatation without rupture of membranes
To prevent progression and premature delivery
What is PPROM?
Amniotic sac ruptures, releasing amniotic fluid before onset of labour and in a preterm pregnancy (under 37 weeks gestation)
How is PPROM diagnosed?
Speculum examination revealing pooling of amniotic fluid in the vagina
If there is doubt:
- IGFBP-1 protein test (high in amniotic fluid) - test vaginal fluid for this
- PAMG-1 protein test is an alternative
How is PPROM managed?
Prophylactic antibiotics to prevent chorioamnionitis (erythromycin)
Induction of labour (from 34 weeks)
What is preterm labour with intact membranes?
Regular painful contractions and cervical dilatation without rupture of amniotic sac