Obstetrics Flashcards
What are the two sphincters of the cervix?
Internal and external os
What are the two layers of the uterus?
Endometrium and myometrium
What are the different parts of the fallopian tube?
Ismuth, Ampulla, Infundibulum, Fimbrae
What is the opening of the fallopian tube called?
Proximal ostium
What are the three parts of the uterus?
Fundus
Body
Cervix
What is the blood supply to the uterus?
Uterine artery
What are the 3 components of he hip bone?
Ileum
Pubis
Ischium
Outline the Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonodal axis
Hypothalamus releases GnRH.
GnrH stimulates anterior pituitary to produce LH and FSH.
These stimulate the ovaries to release oestrogen and progesterone.
This has a negative feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary.
Where is oestrogen released?
The follicles of the ovaries (theca granulosa cells)
What does oestrogen stimulate?
Promotes female secondary sexual characteristics:
- Breast tissue development
- Growth/ development of female sex organs at puberty
- Blood vessel development in uterus
- Development of endometrium
Where is progesterone produced normally?
Corpus luteum after ovulation
Where is progesterone produced during pregnancy?
By the placenta (from 10 weeks gestation)
What are the actions of progesterone?
Thickens and maintains endometrium
Thickens cervical mucus
Increases body temperature
At what age does puberty usually start in females?
8-14
Why do overweight children tend to start puberty earlier?
Aromatase is an enzyme found in adipose (fat) tissue that is important in the creation of oestrogen so overweight children have more of it.
What does puberty start with in females?
Development of breast buds, followed by pubic hair and then periods
What is the first episode of menstruation called?
Menarche
What scale is used to determine the stage of pubertal development?
Tanner stage
What are the two phases of the menstrual cycle?
Follicular phase and Luteal phase
What days of the cycle make up the follicular cycle?
1-14 (May be longer or shorter)
What days of the cycle make up the luteal phase?
14- 28 (ALWAYS 14 days before menstruation)
What are the four stages of development of ovarian follicles?
Primordial follicles
Primary follicles
Secondary follicles
Antral follicles
What is the name of the egg cells in the ovaries and what surrounds them?
Oocytes surrounded by granulosa cells
At what stage of development do follicles develop FSH receptors and therefore require stimulation to further develop?
At the secondary follicle stage
What is day 1 of the menstrual cycle?
First day of bleeding
What is day 14 of the menstrual cycle?
Ovulation
What happens during the follicular phase?
There is rising FSH, which causes development of follicles.
Follicles release oestrogen which begins to inhibit FHS, leading to one dominant follicle.
What happens during ovulation? (Stimulated by what hormones)
The increased oestrogen levels triggers a surge in LH, causing the follicle to release the ovum.
What happens during the luteal phase?
The follicle forms the corpus luteum which secretes progesterone.
What happens to the progesterone level during the luteal phase and what does this trigger?
Peaks 7 days after ovulation, then the falling progesterone level triggers menstruation.
When is the menstrual phase of the cycle?
Day 1~5
What are the different phases that the endometrium goes through during the menstrual cycle?
Menstrual phase (1-5) Proliferative phase (5-14) Secretory phase (14-28)
What happens to the endometrium during the menstrual phase?
Falling levels of progesterone cause shedding
What happens to the endometrium during the proliferative phase?
Rising oestrogen levels causes the endometrium to grow.
There is early development of glands/ spiral arterioles
Cervical mucus becomes thin/ watery to aid sperm entry
What happens to the endometrium during the secretory phase?
After ovulation, progesterone predominates and the endometrium begins to prepare for implantation.
There is development of complex glands and arterioles.
If fertilisation occurs, how is the corpus luteum maintained and what does this cause?
The syncytiotrophoblast of the embryo secretes hCG which maintains the corpus luteum and therefore the endometrium is maintained.
What is hCG?
Human chorionic gonadotrophin.
What are the 3 layers of primary follicles?
Primary oocyte in centre
Zona pellucida
Granulosa cells
What is the further layer that follicles develop and what does it consist of?
Theca folliculli:
Theca interna- secretes androgen hormones
Theca externa- made up of connective tissue
What does the secondary follicle develop to become an antral follicle?
Antrum- single large fluid fillled area/
What happens to the dominant follicle when there is a surge of LH?
The smooth muscle of the theca externa squeezes, causing the follicle to burst and the ovum to escape.
What happens to the ovum once it has escaped the follicle?
It is swept up by the fimbrae into the fallopian tubes.
What happens to the primary oocyte around the time of ovulation?
It undergoes meiosis, splitting into two haploid (23 chromosome) cells
What happens to the other 23 chromosomes when the primary oocyte splits?
They float off and become a polar body
The other is the secondary oocyte.
What does the released ovum consist of (layers)?
Secondary oocyte
First polar body
Zona pellucida
Corona radiata (made up of granulosa cells)
What happens when a sperm enters the vagina?
It travels up the uterus into the fallopian tube and attempts to penetrate the corona radiata and zona pellucida to fertilise the egg
Where does fertilisation occur?
Ampulla of the fallopian tube
How long does an unfertilised egg stay in the fallopian tube?
24 hours before it dies
How long is the fertilisation window each month and why?
6 days- ovulation is only one day but sperm can survive for up to five days in the female body
What is the name of the fertilised egg?
Zygote
What does the zygote rapidly turn into?
Morula (mass of cells)
What does the morula become?
Blastocyst
What does the blastocyst contain?
The embryoblast and blastocele (fluid filled cavity), surrounded by trophoblast (outer layer)
How many cells does the blastocyst consist of when it enters the uterus?
100-150
How long does it take for the blastocyst to reach the uterus after ovulation?
8-10 days
What happens during implantation?
The trophoblast (outer layer of blastocyst) undergoes adhesion to the stroma of endometrium.
What is the outer layer of the trophoblast called and what happens to it during implantation?
The syncytiotrophoblast.
It projects into the stroma and mixes with endometrial cells.
What is the decidua?
Cells of the endometrial stroma that specialise to provide nutrients to the trophoblast
What does the syncytiotrophoblast produce and why is this essential?
HCG which maintains the corpus luteum, allowing it to continue producing progesterone and oestrogen.
What happens to hCG levels during pregnancy?
They are high in early pregnancy, plateau at 10 weeks gestation then start to fall.
What are the functions of the placenta?
Respiration Nutrition Excretion Endocrine Immunity
What hormones does the placenta produce?
hCG
Oestrogen
Progesterone
What are the 3 stages of labour?
1= Onset of labour until 10cm dilated 2= from 10cm dilated to delivery 3= from delivery of baby to delivery of placenta
What happens in the first stage of labour?
Cervical dilation and effacement
The show
What is cervical effacement?
When the cervix gets thinner from front to back
What is the ‘show’ and when does it happen?
When the mucus plug in the cervix that prevents bacteria from entering the uterus during pregnancy falls out during the first stage of pregnancy.
What are the 3 phases of the first stage of labour?
Latent phase
Active phase
Transition phase
What happens in the latent phase of pregnancy?
There is 0cm to 3cm dilation of the cervix, at around 0.5cm per hour
There are irregular contractions
What happens in the active phase of labour?
From 3cm to 7cm dilation of the cervix, at around 1cm per hour with regular contractions/
What is the transition phase of labour?
From 7cm to 10cm dilation of the cervix at about 1cm per hour.
There are strong and regular contractions.
What is the second stage of labour?
From 10cm dilation of the cervix to the delivery of the baby
What does the success of the second stage of labour depend on?
The 3 P’s
What are the 3 P’s of labour?
Power
Passenger
Passage
What does power refer to?
The strength of the uterine contractions
What does passage refer to and what can hinder this part of labour?
The size and shape of the pelvis.
There may be anatomical problems, ovarian cysts, fibroids, broken bones e.t.c.
What are the 4 components of the ‘passenger’ portion of the 3 P’s?
Size
Attitude
Lie
Presentation
What is the attitude of the fetus?
The posture (e.g. how the back is rounded and how the head and limbs are flexed)
What is the lie of the fetus?
The position of the fetus in relation to the mothers spine /
What are the potential ways the fetus may lie?
Longitudinal lie
Transverse lie
Oblique lie
What does presentation refer to?
The part of the fetus closest to the cervix
What are the different types of presentation?
Cephalic (head) presentation
Shoulder presentation
Breech presentation
What are the different types of breech presentation?
Complete breech (hips and knees flexed) Frank breech (hips flexed, knees extended) Footling breech (foot hanging down)
What are the structures that allow a babies skull/ brain to grow?
Posterior and anterior fontanelle
Sutures
Where is the posterior fontanelle?
Between the occipital bone and two parietal bones
Where is the anterior fontanelle?
Between the two parietal bones and two frontal bones
Ideally, which part of the babies head should come out first?
The occiput (back of the head)
What can you feel for when doing a vaginal exam to work out the position of the baby? for delivery?
Fontanelles
Face
What are the 7 stages of labour?
Engagement Descent Flexion (though baby should be flexed through whole above process) Internal rotation Extension Restitution External rotation Lateral flezion (Expulsion)
What are the borders of the pelvic outlet?
Tipc of coccyx
Ischial tuberosity
Pubic arch
Which diameter is greater at the pelvic inlet?
The transverse diameter
Which diameter is greater at the pelvic outlet?
The Antero-posterior diameter
What causes the fetal head to rotate from the transverse to an anterior-posterior position ?
The pelvic floor muscles
What causes descent?
Uterine contractions
Amniotic fluid pressure
Abdominal muscle contraction
What is engagement?
When the largest diameter of the fetal head descends into the pelvis.
What is crowning?
When the widest part of the fetal head gets through the narrowest part of the pelvis, causing it to become visible at the vulva
What is restitution?
When the shoulders naturally align with the head
How is descent measured and in relation to what?
In centimetres from -5 to +5 in relation so the mothers ischial spines.
What is the third stage of labour?
The completed birth of the baby to the delivery of the placenta
What would prompt active management of the third stage?
Haemorrhage
More than a 60 minute delay in delivery
What does active management of the third stage involve?
Giving a dose of intramuscular oxytocin to help uterine contractions.
What are Braxton-Hicks contraction?
Occasional contractions of the uterus that do not indicate the onset of labour.
What are the different parts of the baby that can present first?
Occiput (Back of head) Mentum (chin) Sacrum Face Brow
Where do contractions start?
The fundus
What is SROM?
Spontaneous rupture of membranes
What is ARM?
Artificial rupture of membranes
What are the two membranes of the placenta?
The amnion and the chorion
What is the amnion?
The placental membrane that acts as a bag around the baby
What is the chorion?
The membranes around the placenta
What are some hollistic methods for labour pain management?
Water bath Aromatherapy Massage Hypnotherapy TENS machine
What is entonox?
Gas and air
What are non-invasive pain relief options for labour?
Entonox
Paracetamol
Codeine
What is miscarriage?
The spontaneous termination of pregnancy before 24 weeks?
When is early miscarriageE?
Before 12 weeks gestation
When is late miscarriage?
Between 12 and 24 weeks gestation
What is a missed miscarriage?
When the fetus is no longer alive but no symptoms have occured
What is threatened miscarriage?
Vaginal bleeding with a closed cervix and the fetus is still alive
What is inevitable miscarriage?
Vaginal bleeding with an open cervix
What is incomplete miscarriage?
When the retained products of conception (RPOC) remain in the uterus after miscarriage
What is complete miscarriage?
When there are no products of conception left in the uterus
What is an anembryonic pregnancy?
When a gestational sac is present but contains no embryo
What is the investigation of choice for diagnosing a miscarriage?
Transvaginal ultrasound
What are the 3 key features that sonographers look for in early pregnancy, in order of development?
- Mean gestational sac diameter
- Fetal pole and crown-rump length
- Fetal heart beat
What is the fetal crown-rump length?
The baby is measured in cm from the crown (top of head) to the bottom of their buttocks (rump).
What is the fetal pole?
First direct imaging manifestation of the fetus- thickening of the yolk sac margin visible approx. 6 weeks after conception.
When would a fetal heartbeat be expected?
When the crown-rump length is >7mm
If the crown-rump length is <7mm without a fetal heartbeat, how soon is there a repeat scan?
After at least 1 week to ensure heart beat develops
If there is a crown-rump length of >7mm without a fetal heart beat, what happens?
There is a repeat scan a week later before confirming a non-viable pregnancy
When would a fetal pole be expected to be seen?
Once the mean gestational sac diameter is >25mm
What is the management of a miscarriage at <6 weeks gestation?
Expectant
What is expectant miscarriage management before 6 weeks gestation?
Awaiting the miscarriage without investigations of treatment.
A repeat pregnancy test is performed after 7-10 days to confirm miscarriage.
What do the NICE guidelines recommend for a woman at >6 weeks gestation and a positive pregnancy test?
Referral to an early pregnancy assessment service (EPAU)
What investigation is given to a woman at >6 weeks gestation and bleeding?
An ultrasound to confirm location and viability of pregnancy (and to exclude ectopic pregnancy)
What are the 3 options for managing a miscarriage?
Expectant
Medical
Surgical
When would expectant management be offered for miscarriage?
If <6 weeks gestation
If >6 weeks with no risk factors for heavy bleeding or infection
How long is given for expectant management before moving on to other measures?
1-2 weeks given to allow miscarriage to occur spontaneously.
How soon after pain/ bleeding settle from expectant miscarriage should a repeat pregnancy test be done to confirm?
3 weeks
What factors may indicate an incomplete miscarriage?
Persistent or worsening bleeding
What is the medical management of miscarriage?
Misoprostol
What is misoprostol/ its mechanism of action?
A prostaglandin analogue- binds to prostaglandin receptors and activated them
Why does misoprostol stimulate miscarriage?
It activates prostaglandins which soften the cervix and stimulate uterine contractions
How is misoprostol given?
Either as a vaginal suppository or an oral dose
What are the key side effects of misoprostol?
Heavier bleeding
Pain
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
What are the indications for surgical management of miscarriage?
Sepsis, heavy bleeding or haemodynamic instability, suspicion of gestational trophoblastic disease.
What are the two options for surgical management of miscarriage?
Manual vacuum aspiration
Electric vacuum aspiration
Is manual vacuum aspiration done under local or general anaesthetic?
Local anaesthetic applied to the cervix as an outpatient
Is electric vacuum aspiration done under local or general anaesthetic?
General
What is given before surgical management of miscarriage and why?
Misoprostol to soften the cervix
What happens during manual vacuum aspiration?
A syringe attached to a tube is inserted into the uterus, and the contents are manually aspirated.
What are the indications for manual instead of electric vacuum aspiration?
Women consents
Below 10 weeks gestation
(More appropriate for parous women- those who have previously given birth)
What happens during electric vacuum aspiration?
Under general anaesthetic, the cervix is gradually widened using dilators and the products of conception are removed through the cervix using an electric -powered vacuum
What is given to rhesus negative women having surgical management of pregancy?
Anti-rhesus D prophylaxis
What is the risk of incomplete miscarriage?
The retained products create a risk of infection
What are the two options for treating an incomplete miscarriage?
Medical management
Surgical management
What is the surgical management for incomplete miscarriage?
Evacuation of retained products of conception (ERPC)
What happens during Evacuation of retained products of conception (ERPC)?
Cervix is widened using dilators, retatined products are manually removed using vacuum aspiration and curettage (Scraping)
What is a key complication of evacuation of retained products of conception surgery?
Endometritis
What is classed as recurrent miscarriage?
Three or more consecutive miscarriages
What increases the risk of miscarriage?
Increased age
50% in women aged 40-45
What are the causes of miscarriage?
Idiopathic
Bleeding disorders (Antiphospholipid syndrome, Hereditary thrombophilias)
Uterine abnormalities
Genetic factors
Chronic diseases (diabetes, thyroid disease, SLE)
What is antiphospholipid syndrome?
A disorder associated with antiphospholipid antibodies, where blood becomes prone to clotting (hyper-coagulable state)
What is given to pregnant ladies with antiphospholipid syndrome?
Low dose aspirin
LMWH
What is ectopic pregnancy?
When a pregnancy is implanted outside the uterus
Where is the most common site for an ectopic pregnancy?
The fallopian tube
What is the name of the entrance to the fallopian tube?
Cornual region
Where can an ectopic pregnancy occur?
Fallopian tube Cornual region Ovary Cervix Abdomen
What are the key risk factors for developing an ectopic pregnancy?
Previous ectopic pregnancy Previous PID Previous surgery to fallopian tubes IUD Older age Smoking
At what gestation does ectopic pregnancy usually present?
6-8 weeks
What are the key features of an ectopic pregnancy?
Missed period
Constant lower abdominal pain in right or left iliac fossa
Vaginal bleeding
Lower abdominal/ pelvic tenderness
Cervical motion tenderness (Pain in cervix during bimanual exam)
Dizziness/ syncope
Shoulder tip pain (peritonitis)
What are the 9 regions of the abdomen?
R hypochondriac, Epigastric, L Hypochondirac, R lumbar, umbilical, L lumb, R iliac, hypogastric, L iliac
Why might you get shoulder tip pain during ectopic pregnancy?
Bleeding in the peritoneal cavity can irritate the diaphragm and therefore phrenic nerve which causes referred pain.
What is the investigation of choice for diagnosing a miscarriage?
TVUS (Transvaginal ultrasound scan)
What may be seen in a TVUS during ectopic pregnancy?
Gestational sac containing yolk soc or fetal pole in fallopian tube
What is a blob sign?
When a mass containing an empty gestational sac is seen on TVUS
What is a PUL?
Pregnancy of unknown location
How is a PUL diagnosed?
When there is a positive pregnancy test and no evidence of pregnancy on ultrasound
How often are serum hCG levels repeated during PUL?
After 48 hours to measure change from baseline
What change in hCG should be seen in a normal pregnancy?
Should double every 48 hours
What produces hCG?
The developing syncytiotrophoblast
What may a rise of more than 63% hCG after 48 hours indicate?
A normal intrauterine pregnancy
Over what hCG level should a pregnancy be visible on ultrasound?
> 1500 IU/L
What may a rise of less than 63% hCG indicate?
An ectopic pregnancy
What is a fall of >50% of hCG likely to indicate?
A miscarriafe
What is the immediate management of any women with suspected ectopic pregnancy?
Pregnancy test
What needs to happen to women with pelvic pain and and a positive pregnancy test?
Need to be referred to an early pregnancy assessment unit or gynae service
What are the 3 management options for ectopic pregnancy?
All must be terminated:
Expectant
Medical
Surgical
What is the criteria for expectant management for ectopic pregnancy?
Ectopic must be unruptured Adnexal mass <35mm No visible heartbeat No significant pain HCG level <1500 Must be available for follow up
What followup must be given to women on expectant management for ectopic?
Close monitoring of hCG
What is the criteria for medical management for ectopic?
Same as expectant but HCG must be <5000 and confirmed absence of intrauterine pregnancy on ultrasound
What is the medical management for ectopic pregnancy?
Methotrexate
Why is methotrexate given to treat ectopic?
It is highly teratogenic.
How is methotrexate given?
As an IM injection to the buttock.
How long should women treated with methotrexate wait to try for another baby?
3 months
What are common side effects of methotrexate?
Vaginal bleeding
Nausea/ vomiting
Abdominal pain
Stomatitis
What is the criteria for surgical management to treat ectopic pregnancy?
Pain
Adnexal mass >35mm
Visible heartbeat
HCG levels >5000
What is the most likely treatment option for most ectopic pregnancies?
Surgical
What are the two options for surgical management of ectopic pregnancy?
Laparoscopic salpingectomy
Laparoscopic salpingotomy
What is laparoscopic salpingectomy?
Key hole surgery to remove fallopian tube and ectopic pregnancy.
Done under general anaesthetic
What is laparoscopic salpingotomy?
The removal of the ectopic from the fallopian tube, but re-closing the tube to keep it there.
Which is the first line surgical treatment for ectopic pregnancy and why?
Laparoscopic salpingectomy as there is higher success rate.
What are the adnexa?
Ovaries, fallopian tubes, and ligaments that hold the reproductive organs in place
What is a molar pregnancy?
When a tumour called a hydatidiform mole grows like a pregnancy
What are the two types of molar pregnancy?
Complete mole
Partial mole
What is a complete mole?
When two sperm cells fertilise an ovum that contains no genetic material. The sperm then combine genetic material and the cells start to divide and grow into a tumour (complete mole)
What is a partial mole?
When two sperm cells fertilise a normal ovum at the same time, so the new cell has 3 sets of chromosomes.
What features can differentiate between a normal pregnancy and a molar pregnancy?
More severe morning sickness Vaginal bleeding Increased enlargement of uterus Abnormally high hCG Thyrotoxicosis
Why may molar pregnancy cause thyrotoxicosis?
hCG can mimic TSH and stimulate the thyroid to produce excess T3 and T4
What investigation is done to diagnose molar pregnancy?
Pelvis USS which shows characteristic ‘snowstorm appearance’
What investigation confirms diagnosis of molar pregnancy?
Histology of mole after evacuation
What is the management of molar pregnancy?
Evacuation of the uterus to remove the mole.
Referral to the gestational trophoblastic disease centre for management and follow up.
Monitoring of hCG levels until they return to normal
Why may a patient with a molar pregnancy require systemic chemotherapy?
Because the mole can metastasise
About 1 in 10 people
What is the name of the legal framework for the termination of pregnancy?
1967 Abortion Act
What is the latest gestational age where abortion is legal?
24 weeks
What is the key criteria that must be used to justify an abortion?
Continuing the pregnancy involves greater risk to the physical or mental health of the woman, or existing children of the family
What criteria allows an abortion to be perfomed at any time during the pregnancy?
- Continuing the pregnancy is likely to risk the life of the woman
- Terminating the pregnancy will prevent ‘grave permenant injury’ to the physical or mental health of the woman
- There is ‘substational risk’ that the child would suffer physical or mental abnormalities
What are the legal requirements for abortion?
Two registered medical practitioners must sign to agree abortion is indicated.
Carried out by a registered medical practitioner in and NHS hospital/ approved premise
How can abortion services be accessed?
- Self-referral
- GP
- GUM
- Family planning clinic referral
When is medical abortion most appropriate?
Earlier in pregnancy
What does medical abortion involve?
Mifepristone
Misoprostol 2 days later
What is Mifepristone?
An anti-progesterone medication that blocks the action of progesterone, therefore halting the pregnancy and relaxing the cervix
What is Misoprostol?
A prostaglandin analogue, that binds to prostaglandin receptors and activates themm therefore softening the cervix and stimulating uterine contractions
What are the types of anaesthetic surgical abortion can be performed under?
Local
Local + sedation
General
What is given to patients prior to surgical abortion?
Misoprostol, Mifepristone or osmotic dilators, to soften and dilate the cervix.
What are osmotic dilators?
Devices inserted into the cervix that gradually expand as they absorb fluid, opening the cervical canal
What are the two options for surgical abortion?
Cervical dilation and suction of uterus contents (<14 weeks)
Cervical dilation and evacuation with forceps (14-24 weeks)
What happens after abortion?
Women may have bleeding and cramps for up to 2 weeks after.
Pregnancy test performed after 3 weeks
Support, counselling and contraception advice is given.
What are the complications of abortion?
Bleeding Pain Infection Failure Damage to uterus, cervix and surrounding structures
How many weeks is trimester 1?
0-12
When is trimester 2?
12-26 weeks
When is trimester 3?
27-40 weeks
What is the mechanism of miscarriage?
If the implantation site is not well established, then the fetus does not burrow properly. This leads to a decrease in HCG which causes progesterone levels to fall. The low progesterone causes the endometrium to break down the the uterus contracts to let unwanted contents out.
In a normal pregnancy, what effect does HCG have on progesterone?
Positive effect, more HCG= More progesterone so endometrium doesn’t die and the egg can burrow
What are the two types of shock that can occur with miscarriage?
Hypovolaemic–> Excessive bleeding lowers the blood pressure
Vagal stimulation–> When the cervix is forcibly dilated, it causes vagal stimulation which decreases the blood pressure (parasympathetic nervous system)
Why is a previous surgery a danger to pregnancy?
As usually the endo-myometrial interface prevents the fetus burrowing into the myometrium. However, if this has a cut it can perforate through.
What does LMP refer to?
Last menstrual period
What is GA?
Gestational age
What is EDD?
Estimated date or delivery
What is gravida?
The total number of pregnancies including the current one
What does primigravida mean?
Patient that is pregnant for the first time
What does multigravida mean?
A patient is pregnant for at least the second time
What does para/ parity refer to?
Number of times a women has given birth after 24 weeks gestation, regardless of outome
What does nulliparous mean?
Patient has never given birth after 24 weeks gestation
What does primiparous mean?
A patient that has given birth after 24 weeks once before
What does multiparous mean?
A patient that has given birth after 24 weeks two or more times
What would be the gravida and para for a pregnant woman with three previous deliveries and one miscarriage?
G4P3+1
When do fetal movements typically start?
From around 20 weeks
When does booking clinic occur?
Before 10 weeks
What pregnancy milestone should happen between 10 and 13+6 weeks?
Dating scan
How is the gestational age calculated?
From the crown rump length
What milestone occurs at 16 weeks?
Antenatal appointment
What milestone happens between 18 and 20+6 weeks?
Anomaly scan
At what weeks are there further antenatal appointments?
25, 28, 31, 34, 36, 38, 40 +
What additional appointments may be necessary for pregnant women?
Additional for higher risk/ complicated pregnancies
Oral glucose tolerance test for those at risk of gestational diabetes
Anti-D injections in rhesus negative women (28 and 34 weeks)
USS at 32 weeks for those with placenta praevia
Serial growth scans for those increased risk of fetal growth restriction
What is measured from 24 weeks onwards?
Symphysis-fundal height
What is assessed from 36 weeks onwards?
Fetal presentation
What is measured to assess for pre-eclampsia?
Urine dipstick
Blood pressure
What 2 vaccines are offered to all pregnant women?
Whooping cough (from 16 weeks) Flu jab (in autumn/ winter months)
What supplements are recommended in pregnancy?
Folic acid
VItamin D
When should you take folic acid and why is important to take folic acid in normal pregnancy?
From before pregnancy to 12 weeks
It reduces risk of neural tube defects
What things should be avoided in pregnancy?
Vitamin A Liver or pate (high in vitamin A) Alcohol Smoking Unpasteurised dairy/ blue cheese Undercooked/ raw poultry
What are the risks of drinking alcohol in early pregnancy?
Miscarrige
Small for GA
Preterm delivery
Fetal alcohol syndrome
What are the key features of fetal alcohol syndrome?
Microcephaly (small head) Thin upper lip Smooth flat philtrum (groove between nose and upper lip) Short palpebral fissure (from one side of eye to another) Learnng disability Behavioural difficulties Hearing/ vision problems Cerebral palsy
What are the risks of smoking in pregnancy?
Fetal growth restriction Miscarriage Stillbirth Preterm labour/ delivery Placental abruption Pre-eclampsia Cleft lip/ palate SIDS
What is SIDS?
Sudden infant death syndrome
Up to what stage in pregnancy is it ok to fly?
37 weeks
32 in twin pregnancy
At what stage of pregnancy does booking clinic occur?
Before 10 weeks gestation
What topics should be covered in booking clinic?
Stages of pregnancy Lifestyle advice Supplements Plans for birth Screening tests Antenatal classes Breastfeeding classes Mental health
What bloods are taken at booking clinic?
Blood grouo
Antibodies
Rhesus D status
FBC for anaemia
Screening for thalassaemia and sickle cell disease (for those at higher risk)
Screening for infectious disease (HIV, Hep B, Syphillis)
What is done at booking clinic?
Educating woman on pregnancy topics Bloods Weight, Height & BMI Urine (protein & bacteria) Blood pressure Discuss FGM/ domestic violence Risk assessment for pregnancy complications
What conditions are women risk assessed for at booking clinic?
Rhesus negative Gestational diabetes Fetal growth restriction VTE Pre-eclampsia
Who is at more risk of have a baby with Down’s syndrome?
Older mothers
What are the different screening tests for Down’s syndrome?
Combined test
Triple test
Quadruple test
Which is the first line screening test for Down’s syndrome?
The combined test
At what stage is the combined test completed?
11-14 weeks
What does the combined test involve?
Combining results from ultrasound and maternal blood tests
What does the ultrasound measure in the combined test for Down’s?
Nuchal translucency
What is nuchal translucency and what thickness would indicate Down’s?
The thickness of the fluid filled space at the back of the neck
6mm
What maternal blood tests are included in the combined test and what results would indicate greater risk of Down’s?
Beta-HCG (higher result = higher risk)
Pregnancy- associated plasma protein- A (PAPPA)- Lower result = greater risk
When is the triple test for Down’s syndrome completed?
Between 14 and 20 weeks gestation
What does the triple test for Down’s involve?
Three maternal blood tests:
Beta-HCG
Alpha-fetoprotein
Serum oestriol
When would the quadruple test for Down’s be completed?
Between 14 and 20 weeks gestation
What does the quadruple test involve?
4 blood tests:
- Beta HCG
- Alpha-fetoprotein
- Serum oestriol
- Inhibin A
For each of the blood tests in the quadruple test, what result would indicate a higher risk?
- Beta HCG–> High
- AFP–> Low
- Serum oestriol–> Low
- Inhibin-A–> High
What risk score from the Down’s screening tests would trigger further action?
Risk of greater than 1 in 150
What is offered to the woman if there is a greater than 1 in 150 risk of Down’s?
Amniocentesis or
Chorionic villus sampling
What is Chorionic villus sampling?
Ultrasound-guided biopsy of the placental tissue in order to karyotype the fetal cells and confirm Down’s
What is amniocentesis?
Ultrasound-guided aspiration of amniotic fluid using a needle and syringe
When would chorionic villus sampling be used instead of amniocentesis?
Early in the pregnancy (before 15 weeks) when there is not enough amniotic fluid to safely take a sample
What is NIPT?
Non-invasive prenantal testing
What does NIPT involve?
Blood test from the mother, containing fragments of fetal DNA which can be analysed to detect chromosomal conditions.
What chronic conditions may be problematic in pregnancy?
Hypothyroidism
Hypertension
Epilepsy
RA
How is hypothyroidism managed in pregnancy?
Levothyroxine dose increased by 30-50% to provide enough to the developing fetus
What changes may need to happen to women with existing hypertension during pregnancy?
STOP:
- Ace inhibitors
- ARB’s
- Thiazide-like diuretics
What medications can be continued/ changed to to treat existing hypertension in pregnancy?
Labetalol
CCB’s
Alpha-blockers
What adverse effects may pregnancy cause to women with epilepsey?
Can worsen seizure control due to additional stress, lack of sleeps, hormonal changes and altered medication regimes
What epilepsey medication should be avoided in women of childbearing age due to its teratogenic effects?
Sodium valproate
Which anti-epileptics are safer in pregnancy?
Levetiracetam
Lamotrigine
Carbamazepine
What medication for RA should be avoided in pregnancy?
Methotrexate- teratogenic
What key drugs should be avoided in pregnancy?
NSAIDs Beta-blockers ACE inhibitors ARB's Opiates Warfarin Sodium Valproate Lithium SSRIs Isotretinoin
Why should NSAID’s be avoided in pregnancy?
They work by blocking prostoglandins (which are important in maintaining the ductus arteriosus in the fetus and neonate, and soften the cervix/ stimulate contractions in labour)
At which stage of pregnancy are NSAIDs particularly avoided and why?
Third trimester as they can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus and delay labour
Why are beta- blockers contraindicated in pregnancy?
They can cause FGR, hypoglycaemia and bradycardia in the neonate
Why are medications that block the RAAS system (ACE inhibitors/ ARB’s) contraindicated in pregnancy?
They can cross the placenta and enter the fetus, affecting the fetal kidneys and reducing the production of urine (and therefore amniotic fluid)
What are the complications of using ACE/ ARB’s in pregnancy?
Oligohydramnios
Hypocalvaria (incomplete formation of skull bones)
Miscarriage/ fetal death
Renal failure/ hypotension in neonate
Why are opiates contraindicated in pregnancy?
They can cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)- withdrawal symptoms in the neonate after birth
What is NAS and how does it present?
Neonatal abstinence syndrome
Presents 3-72 hours after birth with irritability, tachypnoea, fevers and poor feeding
Why is warfarin avoided in pregnancy?
It is teratogenic and can cross the placenta to cause fetal loss, congenital malformations or bleeding
Why is sodium valproate contraindicated in pregnancy?
It causes neural tube defects and developmental delay
Why is lithium contraindicated in pregnancy?
Linked to congenital cardiac abnormalities in the first trimester.
Can also enter the breast milk and be toxic to the infant
Why are SSRI’s contraindicated in pregnancy?
First trimester- linked with congenital heart defects
Third trimester- linked to persistent pulmonary hypertension in the neonate
Neonates can experience withdrawal symptoms
What is isotretinoin and why is it contraindicated in pregnancy?
A retinoid (related to vitamin A) used to treat severe acne, that is highly teratogenic and can cause miscarriage and congenital defects
What viruses are most risky to pregnant women?
Rubella Chickenpox Listeria Congenital Cytomegalovirus Congenital toxoplasmosis Parvovirus B19 Zika virus
What causes congenital rubella syndrome?
Maternal infection with the rubella virus during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy
Should women be given the MMR vaccine when pregnant if not already immune?
No- it is a live vaccine
Should be given after birth
What are the features of congenital rubella syndrome?
Congenital deafness
Congenital cataracts
Congenital heart disease
Learning disability
Why is Chickenpox dangerous in pregnancy?
It can lead to varicella syndrome or severe infection in the mother
What can be tested if the mother is unsure if she is immune to chickenpox?
IgG levels for VZV (Varicella zoster virus)
What should happen if a woman is exposed to chickenpox in pregnancy?
- If unsure about immunity, test VZV IgG levels.
- If not immune, treat with IV varicella immunoglobulins
- If present with a rash, treat with oral aciclovir