MATERNAL PLACENTA PREVIA, HEART DISEASE, DM, ANEMIA Flashcards
What is placenta previa?
The placenta completely or partially covers the uterus (cervix) opening in the last months of pregnancy.
It is the most common bleeding disorder of the 3rd trimester.
What is the incidence rate of placenta previa?
1:200 pregnancies.
What happens to the placenta during early pregnancy?
It is common for the placenta to be low in the uterus.
What should happen to the placenta in the 3rd trimester?
The placenta should move to the top of the uterus.
What is the main complication of placenta previa?
The placenta blocks the baby’s exit from the vagina.
Name the types of placenta previa.
- Marginal placenta previa
- Partial placenta previa
- Complete or total placenta previa
Describe marginal placenta previa.
The placenta is positioned at the edge of the cervix, touching it but not covering it.
What is a characteristic of partial placenta previa?
The placenta partially covers the cervix.
What is complete or total placenta previa?
The placenta is completely covering the cervix, blocking the vagina.
What are common signs and symptoms of placenta previa?
- Sudden painless vaginal bleeding (begins 24-30 weeks)
- Bright red bleeding (intermittent or in gushes)
- Decrease in urinary output
What is the earliest and safest diagnostic tool for placenta previa?
Ultrasound.
Why is internal examination contraindicated in placenta previa?
It risks provoking life-threatening hemorrhage.
What are potential complications of placenta previa for the mother?
- Bleeding
- Anemia
- Hypotension
- Shortness of breath
- Early birth
- Placenta accreta
- Placental abruption
What are the risks of premature birth for the baby due to placenta previa?
- Low birth weight
- Respiratory issues
- Underdeveloped lungs due to premature birth
What is the goal of treatment for placenta previa?
To get the mother as close to the due date as possible.
What factors influence the treatment recommendations for placenta previa?
- Severity of the bleeding
- Gestational age of the baby
- Position of the placenta and the baby
- Health of the mother and the baby
Fill in the blank: If the placenta is near or covering just part of the cervix and no bleeding, the MD may recommend _______.
reducing strenuous activities, bed rest at home, no sexual intercourse, tampons, or douching.
What might be included in the management for moderate to severe cases of placenta previa?
- Bed rest in the hospital
- Medicine to prevent early labor
- Steroids to help the baby’s lungs develop faster
- Blood transfusion if heavy bleeding
- Emergency C-section for heavy, uncontrolled bleeding
What is rheumatic heart disease (RHD)?
A complication of rheumatic fever in which the heart valves have been permanently damaged.
What can trigger rheumatic fever?
An infection with group A Streptococcus bacteria (such as strep throat or scarlet fever).
What are some potential complications of RHD during pregnancy?
- Increased maternal and fetal risks due to increased blood pressure
- Death of mother and baby
- Increased risk of preterm delivery
- Greater risk of heart failure before, during, or after delivery
What diagnostic test reveals cardiac changes in the mother?
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
What is echocardiography?
A test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart, providing information about disease etiology, severity, and monitoring progression.
What does a chest radiography (CXR) reveal in RHD?
Cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) / hepatomegaly.