Labour and puerperium Flashcards
what is pre-labour rupture of the membranes (PROM)?
this refers to membrane rupture before onset of labour (at least 1 hour before) occurring at 37 or greater weeks of gestation (at term).
what is preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes (PPROM)?
membrane rupture before labour onset before 37 weeks of gestation
causes of premature rupturing of the fetal membranes (comprising chorion and amnion)?
early activation of normal physiological processes-higher than normal levels of MMPs and apoptotic markers in the amniotic fluid
infection-cytokines assoc with inflammtory response known to contribute to weakening of fetal membranes
genetic predisposition
RFs associated with prelabour rupture of the membranes?
smoking (especially less than 28wks gestation) PROM in previous pregnancy/pre-term delivery multiple gestation vaginal bleeding during pregnancy lower genital tract infection invasive procedures e.g. amniocentesis polyhydramnios cervical insufficiency
how can premature rupture of the membranes be diagnosed clinically?
-usually from maternal history and
speculum examination-look for fluid pooling in the vagina or leakage from the cervix, may see pooling in posterior vaginal fornix. should be laid on examination couch for at least 30min for accurate examination.
-lack of normal vaginal discharge (‘washed clean’) may also be indicative of rupture
-US-lack of fluid in uterine cavity
-nitrazine test-detects pH change-amniotic fluid is more alkaline than normal vaginal fluids.
-ferning test-dried amniotic fluid examined under microscope-has fern like crystalline appearance
why should digital vaginal examination NOT be performed in women suspected of having premature rupture of the membranes?
as this increases risk of introducing ascending infection, and subsequently if PPROM, increases the risk of premature labour.
what 3 causes of neonatal death are associated with pre-term prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM)?
prematurity
sepsis
pulmonary hypoplasia
differentials for premature membrane rupture?
urinary incontinence normal vaginal secretions of pregnancy loss of mucus plug increased sweat/moisture around perineum increased cervical discharge e.g. due to infection vesicovaginal fistula
why should a high vaginal swab be taken in all cases of premature membrane rupture?
look for group B streptococcus-would mean mother requires antibiotics during labour, plus may be the cause of PROM
what infection is commonly implicated in PPROM?
bacterial vaginosis
what is the ferning test?
ferning test can be used in the diagnosis of PROM/PPROM
cervical secretion placed on glass slide and allowed to dry, forms fern-patterned crystals if premature membrane rupture
management of mothers at 37 or greater weeks of gestation with premature membrane rupture?
can offer them choice between expectant management and induction of labour-majority will go into normal labour within 24hr, after this may decide to induce labour but mother can decide to wait for up to 96hr
monitor for signs of clincial chorioamnionitis
clindamycin/penicillin during labour if group B strep isolated
management of mothers between 34 and 36 weeks gestation with premature rupture of membranes?
- due to poorer outcomes in babies as result of maternal infection, induction of labour is recommended (deliver baby!)
- corticosteroids if between 34 and 34+6 weeks
- prophylactic erythromycin 250mg QDS for 10 days
- clindamycin/penicillin during labour if group B strep isolated
- monitor for signs of clinical chorioamnionitis and advise pt to avoid sex as increases risk of ascending infection
management of mothers between 24 and 34 weeks gestation with premature rupture of membranes?
aim expectant management until 34 weeks due to risks of prematurity
corticosteroids
prophylactic erythromycin 250mg QDS for 10 days
montior for signs of clinical chorioamnionitis and advise pt to avoid sex
how does time between premature membrane rupture and spontaneous labour differ depending on wks gestation?
younger gestational age associated with increased latency between rupture and spontaneous labour, predisposing to a greater risk of maternal and fetal complications
complications of premature rupture of membranes?
chorioamnionitis-inflammation of fetal membranes due to infection
oligohydramnios-part significant if less than 24wks gestation as greatly increases risk of lung hypoplasia
neonatal death-problems assoc. with prematurity, lung hypoplasia and sepsis
placental abruption
umbilical cord prolapse
what is a membrane sweep?
this is offered before induction of labour
it involves an internal examination with a sweep around the cervix to try and separate the membranes from the cervix (separate chorion from the decidua) to release PGs and start labour
this can be done in the community
what score is used to assess favourability of the cervix, hence likelihood of spontaneous labour or response to interventions made to induce labour?
bishop score-score of 8 or more indicates a favourable/ripe cervix
how is the bishop score calculated?
on vaginal examination-assessment made of station, effacement, dilation, position and consistency of the cervix.
how can labour be induced?
before formal induction, can do a membrane sweep
formal induction: if cervix unfavourable then give vaginal PGE2-can give a 1 dose pessary (propess) that can be left for 24hours (only 12 hrs if previous C section), once experiencing regular strong contractions vaginal examination performed again, if not dilated then pessary re-inserted, if 3cm or more then pessary can be removed
can also use vaginal PGE2 tablet or gel-this is given then repeated after 6hrs if labour not established
if cervix is favourable, can break waters using an amnihook (ARM)-will then need a sanitary pad until birth.
if waters are broken by midwife but still not having frequent regular contractions then oxytocin infusion required-will need continuous CTG monitoring until birth.
reasons for induction of labour?
reduce risk of stillbirth! specific indications: pre-eclampsia diabetes postmaturity (40+12) obstetric cholestasis 40yrs or older, nulliparous previous stillbirth or poor pregnancy outcome IVF
features assessed for in occiput-posterior fetal malposition?
intense back pain poor cervix dilatation and descent depression in lower maternal abdomen fetal HR heard laterally anterior fontanelle in anterior perineal laceration or episiotomy extension
how is the 1st stage of labour defined?
regular contractions (3-4 in 10 mins), each lasting around 60s up to full dilatation
latent and established phases
what is the latent 1st stage of labour?
painful contractions and some cervical change, including cervical effacement and dilatation up to 4cm
what is the established 1st stage of labour?
regular painful contractions and cervical dilatation from 4cm
duration of 1st stage of labour in women in their 1st pregnancy?
average=8 hours
may be up to 18
duration of 1st stage of labour in women in subsequent pregnancies?
on average 5 hours
unlikely to last over 12 hours
considerations for subsequent management if suspected delay in established first stage of labour?**
amniotomy if intact membranes
vaginal examination 2hrs later-diagnose delay if progress less than 1cm
if confirmed:
consider oxytocin
offer support and effective pain relief
what is passive management in the 2nd stage of labour?
mother pushes when she feels need without active encouragement
what is syntometrine?
a combination of ergometrine and oxytocin
more effective in reducing blood loss than oxytocin alone in delivery of placenta, but has more side effects!
most common cut for an episiotomy?
right posterolateral (mediolateral episiotomy)
problems associated with maternal obesity during labour and delivery?
slow progression of labour
shoulder dystocia
emergency C section
primary PPH (occurs within 1st 24hr after delivery)
what maneuver can be employed to assist in childbirth in the case of shoulder dystocia?
McRoberts maneuver:
hyperflexion of mother’s leg to her abdomen.
RFs for premature labour?
young or old age low SE status polyhydramnios multiple gestation uterine abnormality, cervical insufficiency e.g. post LLETZ or cone biopsy infection previous premature baby antepartum haemorrhage
what is a LSCS?
lower segment C section= most common type of C section.
causes of primary PPH?
- uterine atony
- retained placenta
- genital tract trauma e.g. cervix, vagina
cause of secondary PPH (from 24 hrs to 12 weeks post delivery)?
- infection
- retained products
define primary PPH?
500ml or more of vaginal blood loss within 24hrs of delivery.
complications of induction of labour?*
more likely to need interventions-drip, an epidural
need for instrumental delivery
need for a C section
increased risk of PPH
if previous C section, risk of uterine scar rupture is increased from 1/200 to 1/100
contractions not necessarily more painful then in spontaneous labour, but do come on more suddenly.