Obstetric Bleeding and Harmorrhage Flashcards
What is antepartum bleeding and is it ever normal?
This is bleeding after 24 weeks gestation (viability) prior to this miscarriage is more likely the diagnosis. Bleeding preterm is never normal. The only time we expect to see some spotting or bleeding are the two placental invasions at 8 weeks and 12-14 weeks.
What are the likely causes of bleeding the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters respectively?
1st trimester
Spontaneous abortion
Ectopic pregnancy
Hydatidiform mole
2nd trimester
Spontaneous abortion
Hydatidiform mole
Placental abruption
3rd trimester Bloody show Placental abruption Placenta praevia Vasa praevia
How should you assess antepartum bleeding in a history?
Investigate bleeding – fresh, brown, volume and when does it occur? Any provocation – e.g. coitus or trauma Foetal movements Rule out SROM Check for contractions Look for local causes Date of last smear test Previous surgery important
How should you investigate antepartum bleeding?
CTG Speculum exam to check if os open but must rule out placenta praevia first Vaginal swabs to rule out infection FBC and clotting profile Rhesus status Group and save Explore hypertension and pre-eclampsia Basic obs looking for hypovolaemia Look for local causes e.g. cervical cancer, local cuts and abrasions
What is placental abruption and what are the two types?
Definition – part or all of the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus prematurely. This occurs due to rupture of the maternal vessels within the basal layer of the endometrium. Blood splits the placental attachment and irritates the uterus.
Revealed – bleeding leaks down through the cervix and presents as vaginal bleeding
Concealed – blood remains in the uterus and forms a clot – not per vaginal bleeding and may present as shock
What are the risk factors for placental abruption?
Previous placental abruption Pre-eclampsia Abnormal lie – transverse Polyhydramnios Abdominal trauma Smoking or IVDU (especially cocaine) Underlying thrombophilia Multiple pregnancy
How does placental abruption typically present?
PV bleeding
Generalised sudden onset, constant, severe abdominal pain
Tender uterus on palpation due to blood irritation
Contractions (50% will be in labour)
Rock hard abdomen (woody)
Foetal distress e.g. bradycardias
Hypovolaemic shock symptoms leading to abnormal clotting and DIC
If in labour pain between contractions
How should a placental abruption be managed?
ABCDE if in shock
Establish foetal wellbeing with CTG and arrange USS
IV access and bloods
Emergency delivery if maternal or foetal compromise
IOL if no compromise or operative vaginal delivery
Conservative management – partial or marginal abruptions
Give Anti D within 72 hours of the onset of bleeding
What is placenta praevia and how can it be classified?
Definitions – placenta has attached to the lower section of the uterine wall. This could be anterior or posterior and is classified by how close to the internal os it is or if it actually covers the os.
Major – placenta lies over the internal os
Minor – placenta lies close to or encroaching on the internal os
What are the risk factors for placenta praevia?
High parity Maternal age > 40 Multiple pregnancy Previous history of placenta praevia Uterine infections history Curettage use Scarring of the uterus i.e. caesarean section Assisted reproductive technology
How is placental praevia usually picked up and how should it be investigated through out pregnancy?
First diagnosis usually made at the 18-20+6-week anomaly scan as low-lying placenta. Praevia diagnosed after 28th week when the lower segment of the uterus is formed.
Low lying placenta – within 20mm of the internal os
Placenta praevia – covering the internal os
Follow up TVS recommended at 32 weeks to diagnose if it is persistent
Again at 36 weeks if persistent to inform delivery mode
How should placenta praevia be managed?
If bleeding is light and settles after 24 hours, then discharge with safety netting. Elective Caesarean section at 38 weeks and give Anti D within 72 hours of the onset of bleeding. If worried check Umbilical artery doppler
If bleeding is heavy or wont’s stop then: ABCDE, Emergency Caesarean section.
What are the complications from placenta praevia?
Complications
As lower segment of the uterus doesn’t contract as much there is an increased risk of PPH
What is vasa praevia?
Definition – foetal vessels run in membranes below the presenting foetal part unsupported by placental tissue or umbilical cord.
How does vasa praevia usually present?
Presentation – PV bleeding shortly after membrane rupture followed by foetal bradycardia and other sign of foetal distress with resulting high foetal mortality.
