Obstetrical Complications Flashcards
What defines Preterm Labor (PTL)?
Between 20 and 36 weeks and 6 days
What is the general way to diagnose Preterm Labor?
Uterine contractions and cervical change
What is the very specific way to diagnose PTL?
Cervical dilation of at least 2 cm
AND/OR
80% effaced
What is the very specific way to diagnose Preterm Labor?
Cervical dilation of at least 2 cm
AND/OR
80% effaced
What are the 4 main pathways that are aimed at preventing PTL?
- Infection
- Placental-vascular
- Pyschosocial stress
- Uterine stretch
What are 4 infections that can increase the risk for PTL?
Bacterial Vaginosis
Group B strep
Gonorrhea
Chlamydia
Alterations in the placental-vascular flow can lead to what 2 things that are risk factors for PTL?
Preeclampsia
Poor fetal growth
What molecules that are increased with psychosocial stress can be a risk factor for PTL?
Cortisol
Catecholamines
In what race is PTL more common due to socioeconomic reasons?
Black people
The risk of PTL is INCREASED as cervical length is _____
DECREASED
As the cervical length is decreased, the risk for preterm labor is?
Increased
What are some symptoms of PTL?
Cramping/contractions
Backache
Discharge
With the evaluation of PTL, what may resolve the contractions?
Hydration and rest
With the evaluation of PTL, you should evaluate for infection and then what?
Hydrate
–> check cervix again in 1 hour
What are 3 drugs that can be used for Tocolysis if the patient is < 34 weeks?
Magnesium Sulfate
Nifedipine
Prostaglandin Synthetase inhibitors
What are 3 drugs that can be used for Tocolysis of PTL and how they are given?
Magnesium Sulfate (IV)
Nifedipine (oral)
Prostaglandin Synthetase Inhibitors – for extreme prematurity
What can be given between 24-34 weeks to help the fetal lungs mature?
Glucocorticoids
If a patient is at risk of PTL in the next 7 days and she is between 34-36 and 6, what can be given?
Single course of Betamethasone
What is the lower limit of Viability with a premie?
22-24 weeks
< 500 gms
What is PROM (premature rupture of membranes)?
Rupture of membranes before the onset of labor at any gestation