Obstetrics Flashcards
What is the complication of maternal hypertension that is to be worried about?
Placental abruption
What are the risk factors of spontaneous abortion?
- Advanced maternal age (> 35 years)
- substance abuse
- TORCH infection
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Pre-existing hypercoagulable states (e.g., SLE, antiphospholipid syndrome
- Foetal risk factors - congenital anomalies, exposure to teratogenic drugs and trauma
Why is presence of foetal movement important?
Reduced fetal movements can represent fetal distress, as a method of fetal compensation to reduce oxygen consumption as a response to chronic hypoxia in utero.
This is concerning, as it reflects risk of stillbirth and fetal growth restriction. It is believed that there may also be a link between reduced fetal movements and placental insufficiency.
When do expectant mothers start to feel foetal movement?
The first onset of recognised fetal movements is known as quickening.
This usually occurs between 18-20 weeks gestation, and increase until 32 weeks gestation at which point the frequency of movement tends to plateau.
Multiparous women will usually experience fetal movements sooner, from 16-18 weeks gestation.
Towards the end of pregnancy, fetal movements should not reduce.
What is considered as reduced foetal movement?
There is no established definition for what constitutes reduced fetal movements (RFM), but the RCOG considers less than 10 movements within 2 hours (in pregnancies past 28 weeks gestation) an indication for further assessment.
What are the risk factors causing reduced foetal movement?
Posture - generally awareness being more prominent during lying down and less when sitting and standing
Distraction - women is distracted
Placental position - Anterior placenta position prior to 28wks may have lesser awareness
Medication - alcohol and sedative medications like opiates or benzodiazepines
Fetal position - Anterior fetal position - movement less noticable
Body habitus- Obese patients are less likely to feel prominent fetal movements
Amniotic fluid volume- Both oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios can cause reduction in fetal movement
Fetal size
Up to 29% of women presenting with RFM have a SGA fetus (small for gestation age)
What is the management if 28wk gestation woman presents with reduced foetal movement?
If past 28 weeks gestation:
- Initially, handheld Doppler should be used to confirm fetal heartbeat.
- If no fetal heartbeat detectable, immediate US should be offered.
- If fetal heartbeat present, CTG should be used for at least 20 minutes to monitor fetal heart rate which can assist in excluding fetal compromise.
- If concern remains, despite normal CTG, urgent (within 24 hours) ultrasound can be used. Ultrasound assessment should include abdominal circumference or estimated fetal weight (to exclude SGA), and amniotic fluid volume measurement
What is the management if 26wk gestation woman presents with reduced foetal movement?
Between 24 and 28 weeks gestation:
a handheld Doppler should be used to confirm presence of fetal heartbeat.
What is the management if 18wk gestation woman presents with reduced foetal movement?
If below 24 weeks gestation, and fetal movements have previously been felt, a handheld Doppler should be used.
What is the period before which foetal movements are to be noticed?
If fetal movements have not yet been felt by 24 weeks, onward referral should be made to a maternal fetal medicine unit.
What are the potential sensitising events for rhesus haemolytic disease? And how is it managed
Anti-D immunoglobulin should be given as soon as possible (but always within 72 hours) in the following situations:
- Termination of pregnancy or evacuation of retained products of conception (ERPC) after miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy - (if managed surgically, if managed medically with methotrexate anti-D is not required)
- Vaginal bleeding < 12wks or if heavy
- External cephalic version
- Invasive uterine procedure - amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
- Intrauterine death
- Delivery - delivery of a Rh +ve infant, whether live or stillborn (Kleihauer test - to test maternal circulation within 2hrs of birth)
- Antepartum haemorrhage
When is the rhesus disease screened for during antenatal care?
Booking and 28 weeks
When is anti-D given to rhesus negative women?
Give anti-D at 28 wks after any bleeding or potentially sensitising event and after delivery if neonate is rhesus positive (28 week and 34 weeks)
How is severity of foetal anaemia in rh haemolytic disease assessed? How is it managed
Doppler of foetal middle cerebral artery
Transfuse if foetus anaemic, deliver if >36wks
How do babies with rhesus haemolytic disease present?
- Neonatal jaundice, anaemia and hepatosplenomegaly - less severe
- oedematous (hydrops fetalis, as liver devoted to RBC production albumin falls)
- heart failure
- kernicterus
What tests are done in rhesus disease?
All babies born to Rh -ve mother should have cord blood taken at delivery for FBC, blood group & direct Coombs test
Coombs test: direct antiglobulin, will demonstrate antibodies on RBCs of baby
Kleihauer test: add acid to maternal blood, fetal cells are resistant
- An indirect Coombs is a screening test that is carried out at booking/28/34 weeks to establish if the mother already has Rh Abs present.
- The Kleihauer is used after a sensitising event to see if fetomaternal haemorrhage has occurred
- The direct Coombs is used to see if the baby has Rh Haemolytic Disease
Who are patients at high risk of developing preeclampsia and how are they managed?
- hypertensive disease during previous pregnancies
- chronic kidney disease
- autoimmune disorders such as SLE or antiphospholipid syndrome
- type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus
Women who are at high risk of developing pre-eclampsia should take aspirin 75mg od from 12 weeks until the birth of the baby
What is the normal fluctuation of BP observed in pregnancy?
Blood pressure usually falls in the first trimester (particularly the diastolic), and continues to fall until 20-24 weeks
After this time the blood pressure usually increases to pre-pregnancy levels by term
What is the criteria for HTN in pregnancy?
systolic > 140 mmHg or diastolic > 90 mmHg
OR
An increase above booking readings of > 30 mmHg systolic or > 15 mmHg diastolic
What is the criteria for pre-existing hypertension?
A history of hypertension before pregnancy or an elevated blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg before 20 weeks gestation
No proteinuria, no oedema
What is the criteria for gestational hypertension?
Hypertension (as defined above) occurring in the second half of pregnancy (i.e. after 20 weeks) - > 140/90
No proteinuria, no oedema
Resolves following birth (typically after one month). Women with PIH are at increased risk of future pre-eclampsia or hypertension later in life
What are the principal RFs for pre-eclampsia
Moderate risk:
- Nulliparity
- Previous preeclampsia
- Family history
- Multiple gestation (twins)
- Chromosomal anomalies or congenital structural anomalies
- Hydatidiform moles
- old maternal age - 40 years or older
- Pregnancy interval of more than 10 years
- Body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m² or more at first visit
High risk:
- hypertensive disease during previous pregnancies
- chronic kidney disease
- autoimmune disorders such as SLE or antiphospholipid syndrome
- type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus
What are the features of severe pre-eclampsia?
hypertension: typically > 170/110 mmHg and proteinuria as above
proteinuria: dipstick ++/+++ (300mg in 24h / urine protein:creatinine ratio - 0.3 )
headache
visual disturbance
papilloedema
RUQ/epigastric pain
hyperreflexia
platelet count < 100 * 106/l, abnormal liver enzymes or HELLP syndrome
What are the blood investigation findings in pre-eclampsia?
FBC: Relative ↑ Hb due to haemoconcentration (due to oedema – more fluid stay in interstitial space!) , Thrombocytopenia, Anaemia (if haemolysis)
Coagulation - mildly prolonged PT and APTT
Biochemistry: ↑ Urate ↑ Urea & Creatinine Abnormal LFTs (↑ transaminases) ↑ Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH – a marker for haemolysis) ↑ Proteinuria (>300mg protein/24h)
How is mild-moderate preclampsia managed?
o Give antihypertensive if BP:
Systolic > 160
Diastolic > 110
o Regardless of other symptoms (eg: proteinuria etc!); gv treatment as long as BP is higher than the range!
- Labetalol
- Nifedipine
- Methyldopa
What are the causes of folic acid deficiency
phenytoin
methotrexate
pregnancy
alcohol excess
When is folic acid prescribed?
All women should take 400mcg of folic acid until the 12th week of pregnancy
Women at higher risk of conceiving a child with a NTD should take 5mg of folic acid from before conception until the 12th week of pregnancy
Who are the high risk patients requiring folate supplements?
→ either partner has a NTD, they have had a previous pregnancy affected by a NTD, or they have a family history of a NTD
→ the woman is taking antiepileptic drugs or has coeliac disease, diabetes, or thalassaemia trait.
→ the woman is obese (defined as a body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or more).
In normal pregnancy, what are the CVS changes observed?
- SV up 30%, HR up 15% & cardiac output up 40%
- systolic BP is unaltered
- diastolic BP is reduced in the 1st and 2nd trimester, returning to non-pregnant levels by term
- enlarged uterus may interfere with venous return which can lead to ankle oedema, supine hypotension and varicose veins
In normal pregnancy, what are the respiratory system changes observed?
- Pulmonary ventilation up by 40%, tidal volume from 500 - 700ml (due to effect of progesterone on respiratory centre)
- Oxygen requirements increase by only 20%, therefore over breathing leads to a fall in pCO2 - this can give rise to a sense of dyspnoea that may be accentuated by elevation of the diaphragm
- BMR up 15% - this may be due to increased thyroxine and adrenocortical hormones - women may hence find warm conditions uncomfortable
In normal pregnancy, what are the haematological system changes observed?
- Maternal blood volume up 30%, mostly in 2nd half - red cells up 20% but plasma up 50% Hb falls
- Low grade increase in coagulant activity
- rise in fibrinogen and Factors VII, VIII, X
- fibrinolytic activity is decreased - returns to normal after delivery (placental suppression?)
- prepares the mother for placental delivery
- leads to increased risk of thromboembolism
- Platelet count falls
- WCC & ESR rise
In normal pregnancy, what are the urinary system changes observed?
- blood flow increase by 30% - thus decreased serum urea and creatinine
- GFR increases by 30-60%
- Salt and water reabsorption is increased by elevated sex steroid levels
- Urinary protein losses increase - threshold is 300 mg/24
In normal pregnancy, what are the biochemical system changes observed?
- Calcium requirements increase during pregnancy - especially during 3rd trimester + continues into lactation
calcium is transported actively across the placenta
- serum levels of calcium and phosphate actually fall (with fall in protein)
- ionised levels of calcium remain stable
- Gut absorption of calcium increases substantially - due to increased 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D
In normal pregnancy, what are the hepatic system changes observed?
Unlike renal and uterine blood flow, hepatic blood flow doesn’t change
ALP raised 50%
Albumin levels fall
What are the main indications for C-section?
- Repeat CS
- Fetal compromise
- Failure to progress’ in labour
- Breech presentation
- HIV with high viral load or those not receiving anti-retroviral therapy
- Primary genital herpes in the third trimester (NB not a secondary attack)
- Placenta praevia major, i.e. grade 3 or 4
- Twin pregnancy where the first baby is breech
- Singleton breech at term but only after external cephalic version - has been offered or CI
What are the extended indications for C-section?
- placenta praevia grades 3/4
- pre-eclampsia
- post-maturity
- IUGR
- fetal distress in labour/prolapsed cord
- failure of labour to progress
- malpresentations: brow
- placental abruption: only if fetal distress; if dead deliver vaginally
- vaginal infection e.g. active herpes
- cervical cancer (disseminates cancer cells)
What are the intraoperative complications of CS?
- Uterine/ Uterocervical lacerations (5-10%)
- Blood loss >1L (7-9%)
- Bladder laceration (0.5-0.8%)
- Blood transfusion (2-3%)
- Hysterectomy (0.2%)
- Bowel lacerations (0.05%)
- Ureteral injury (0.03-0.09%)
What are the posteroperative complications of CS?
- Endometritis (5%)
- Wound infections (3-27%)
- Pulmoanry atelectasis
- Venous thromboembolism
- UTI
A 27 year-old lady is day 1 post emergency caesarean section for failure to progress in the first stage. She has been complaining of pain and heavy vaginal bleeding since delivery and in the morning was noted to have heavy, offensive lochia and a boggy poorly contracted uterus above the umbilicus.
What is the most diagnosis and appropriate management?
Retained products of conception
Can happen after caesarean section if care is not taken to make sure that all the placental membranes are removed. The uterus does not contract down well as the products are still in the cavity, and the discharge is offensive suggesting that the products have become infected.
This lady needs and urgent examination under anaesthesia to remove the products. The products often pass by themselves without the need for anaesthesia, however after day 1 this is unlikely so intervention is needed. Sometimes a scan would be done before but with a history this clear, it is not necessary. It is also hard to pick up products on scan sometimes as they can be very small.
What are the long-term complications of C-sections?
- Uterine rupture (1:200 (0.5%) with spontaneous labour)
- Placenta praevia (47% ↑ of background risk)
- Placenta accreta
- Antepartum stillbirth (Risk x2 with previous CS)
When is VBAC recommended in pateints?
If a women has had a previous caesarean section due a factor such as fetal distress the majority of obstetricians would recommend a trial of normal labour
Women with both previous CS & previous vaginal birth more likely to give birth vaginally
What are the risks associated with VBAC?
• Uterine rupture risk - spontanous onset of labour and if induction of labour - risk of uterine rupture increases
What are the indications of Crash CS/ emergency C-section? (within 30mins)
• Placental abruption with: Abnormal FHR or Uterine irritability • Cord prolapse • Scar rupture • Prolonged bradycardia • Scalp pH <7.20 Severe foetal distress
What are the indications of urgent C-section?
Failure to progress + Pathological CTG
Dystocia
What are the indications of scheduled C-section?
- Severe pre-eclampsia
- IUGR + Poor fetal function tests
- Failed induction of labour
What are the indications of elective C-section?
Performed after 39wks gestation to reduce the risk of neonatal lung immaturity
- Term singleton breech (If EVC CI/failed)
- Twin pregnancy with non-cephalic 1st twin
- Maternal HIV
- Primary genital herpes in 3rd trimester
- Placenta praevia
- Previous classical CS- vertical
What is the precaution to be taken for VBAC?
• EFM (Electronic fetal monitoring AKA continuous CTG):
o Recommended during labour (As FHR changes may be the earlist signs of scar rupture)
• Women should deliver in a unit whr there is immediate access to:
o CS
o On-site blood transfusion
What is the use of a bishop score?
The Bishop score is used to help assess the whether induction of labour will be required
What are the thresholds for bishop scores and what is the recommended management?
- a score of < 5 indicates that labour is unlikely to start without induction
- a score of > 9 indicates that labour will most likely commence spontaneously
What are the features of obstetric cholestatsis and how is it managed?
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (also known as obstetric cholestasis) affects around 1% of pregnancies in the UK. It is associated with an increased risk of premature birth.
Features
- pruritus - may be intense - typical worse palms, soles and abdomen
- clinically detectable jaundice occurs in around 20% of patients
- raised bilirubin is seen in > 90% of cases
Management
- ursodeoxycholic acid - again widely used but evidence base not clear
- induction of labour at 37 weeks is common practice but may not be evidence based
- Weekly liver function tests
- vitamin K supplementation
What are the indications for IOL?
IOL is preferred where allowing the pregnancy to continue would expose the fetus and mother to risk greater than that of induction
- Prolonged pregnancy
- Suspected growth restrictioon
- prelabour term rupture of membranes
- Pre-eclampsia
- Uncontrolled HTN or diabetes
Foetal indications - suspected IUGR or compromise, antepartum haemorrhage, PROM
How is labour induced?
- Induction using intravaginal prostaglandin (PGE2) into posterior fornix = Stats labour or ripeness of cervix is improved to allow for amniotomy - if one dose does not increase cervical ripeness, another dose can be given 6h later provided there is no uterine activity.
- Amniotomy - breaking of waters(Artificial rutupre of membrane/ARM) + oxytocin (given once membranes have ruptured)
- membrane sweep - 30% will go into spontaneous labour in <7 days
What are the CI for IOL?
- Acute foetal compromise
- Abnormal lie
- Placenta praevia
- Pelvic obstruction - pelvic mass or pelvic deformity - cephalo-pelvic disproportion
Relative CI - one previous c-section increases scar rupture rate and prematurity
What are the complications that can develop from IOL?
- Labour may fail to start or take longer - inefficient uterine activity
- Risk of instrumental delivery is high
- Hyperstimulation is rare but causes foetal distress and uterine rupture
- Umbillical cord can prolapse at amniotomy
- PPH, intrapartum and postpartum infections
- Prematurity - may be iatrogenic or unintentional
Who is VBAC contraindicated in?
Vertical uterine scar
Multiple previous caesareans
After 2 c-sections, vaginal delivery not attempted
What is the definition of PROM?
Prelabour rupture of membranes (PROM) at term = Leakage of amniotic fluid in absence of uterine activity after 37 completed weeks of gestation
What are the diagnostic features of PROM?
Gush of clear fluid - followed by an uncontrollable intermittent trickle (constnt leaking)
Occasionally confused with urinary incontinence
US - finding of reduced liquor volume
What is avoided in PROM?
PV examination: If planning to use conservative management = Avoid digital examination because ↑ risk of: Chorioamnionitis Post-partum endometritis Neonatal infection
What is the diagnostic criteria for chorioaminonitis?
Maternal fever (≥38oc)
+ At least 2 of the following:
- Maternal leukocytosis (>15,000 cells/mm3)
- Maternal tachycardia (>100 bpm)
- Fetal tachycardia (>160bpm)
- Irritable uterus / Uterine tenderness
- Foul odor of amniotic fluid
And excluded:
Maternal URTI
Maternal UTI
What is the management of women in PROM without any CI ?
o Immediate induction
o /Expectant management (waiting for spontaenous labour - however increases risk of chorioamnionitis >24hrs) - presence of meconium or evidence of infection - immediate induction
What is the management of women in PROM with GBS?
- Immediate induction should be encouraged (↓ neonatal infection)
- Benzylpenicillin intrapartum for mothers
- Screen neonates soon after birth
What are the indications for elective C-section < 34 weeks?
- Pre-eclampsia
2. Severe intrauterine growth restriction
What are the risk factors for breech pregnancy?
- uterine malformations, fibroids
- placenta praevia
- polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios
- fetal abnormality (e.g. CNS malformation, chromosomal disorders)
- prematurity (due to increased incidence earlier in gestation)
What is the management of breech presentations?
if < 36 weeks: many fetuses will turn spontaneously
if still breech at 36 weeks NICE recommend external cephalic version (ECV)- this has a success rate of around 60%. The RCOG recommend ECV should be offered from 36 weeks in nulliparous women and from 37 weeks in multiparous women
if the baby is still breech then delivery options include planned caesarean section or vaginal delivery
What is the common complication of breech presentation?
Cord prolapse is more common in breech presentations
What are the absolute contraindications for ECV?
1. where caesarean delivery is required antepartum haemorrhage within the last 7 days 2. abnormal cardiotocography 3. major uterine anomaly 4. ruptured membranes 5. multiple pregnancy 6. Pre-eclampsia
When is ECV offered for breech presentation?
• Performed from:
o Nulliparous – 36wks
o Multiparous – 37wks
What are the sensitising events causing rhesus immunisation?
Child birth (main & most frequent) – usually maternal blood doesn’t mix with fetal blood until delivery!!! (So 1st pregnancy not affected) C-section Miscarriage Therapeutic abortion Amniocentesis Ectopic pregnancy Abdominal trauma External cephalic version
What is the definition of PPH?
Primary PPH - Blood loss of ≥ 500mL from genital tract occurring within 24h of delivery of baby
Secondary PPH = ‘Excessive’ blood loss occurring btwn 24h & 12wks after delivery of baby
What are the causes of primary PPH?
o Tone (90%) – Uterine atony
o Trauma (7%)– Genital tract trauma
o Thrombin – Coagulopathy
o Tissue – Retained products of conception
What are the causes of secondary PPH?
o Infection (often associated with retained products of conception Endometritis
o Rarely:
Gestational trophoblastic disease
Uterine arteriovenous malformation including a pseudo-aneurysm
What is the management of PPH?
ABCD
1st line (physical method)
- bimanual uterine massage
- empty bladder (catheter)
2nd line
- IV oxytocin / IV ergometrine (CI in hypertension)
- IM carboprost (CI in asthma)
3rd line (surgical)
- 1st option - intrauterine balloon tamponade
- B-Lynch suture
- ligation of the uterine arteries or internal iliac arteries
Last option
hysterectomy
What are the risk factors of primary PPH?
Previous PPH
Prolonged labour
Pre-eclampsia
↑ Maternal age
Polyhydramnios
Emergency CS
Placenta praevia
Placenta accreta
Macrosomnia
Ritodrine (A β2-adrenergic receptor agonist for tocolysis)
What are the risk factors of GBS infection?
- prematurity
- prolonged rupture of the membranes
- previous sibling GBS infection
- maternal pyrexia e.g. secondary to chorioamnionitis
What are the causes of late onset sepsis in neonates?
Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus.
Is universal screening offered for GBS?
NOPE
Can GBS screen be requested by the mother?
NOPE
What is the mx of a preganant pt with previous history of GBS preganancy?
Women who’ve had GBS detected in a previous pregnancy should be informed that their risk of maternal GBS carriage in this pregnancy is 50%.
They should be offered maternal intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) OR testing in late pregnancy and then antibiotics if still positive
When are women swabbed for GBS?
if women are to have swabs for GBS this should be offered at 35-37 weeks or 3-5 weeks prior to the anticipated delivery date
Who is prophylactic antibiotics offered to? and what antibiotic is preferred?
maternal intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis should be offered to women:
- with a previous baby with early- or late-onset GBS disease
- in preterm labour regardless of their GBS status
- women with a pyrexia during labour (>38ºC)
3Ps- pyrexia, previous GBS and prolonged rupture of membrane
benzylpenicillin is the antibiotic of choice for GBS prophylaxis
What are the tests in the combined test? And when are they performed?
the combined test is now standard: (Down syndrome screening)
- nuchal translucency measurement
- serum B-HCG
- pregnancy associated plasma protein A
these tests should be done between 11 - 13+6 weeks
What are the triple and quadriple testing and when are they offered
They are offered if the combined test period is missed and offered between between 15 - 20 weeks
Triple test - alpha-fetoprotein, unconjugated oestriol, human chorionic gonadotrophin
Quadriple test - alpha-fetoprotein, unconjugated oestriol, human chorionic gonadotrophin and inhibin-A
What are the levels detected in the combined test to diagnose down syndrome?
HI - High
High human chorionic gonadotrophin beta-subunit (-HCG)
Inhibin
Thickened nuchal transluency
How are epileptic patients managed during pregnancy?
folic acid 5mg once + lamotrigine/ carbamazepine
What are the risk factors for gestational diabetes?
- BMI of > 30 kg/m²
- previous macrosomic baby weighing 4.5 kg or above
- previous gestational diabetes
- first-degree relative with diabetes
- family origin with a high prevalence of diabetes (South Asian, black Caribbean and Middle Eastern)
When are women screened for diabetes?
- women who’ve previously had gestational diabetes: oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) should be performed as soon as possible after booking and at 24-28 weeks if the first test is normal. NICE also recommend that early self-monitoring of blood glucose is an alternative to the OGTTs
- women with any of the other risk factors should be offered an OGTT at 24-28 weeks
What is the threshold value to diagnose gestational diabetes?
fasting glucose is >= 5.6 mmol/l
2-hour glucose is >= 7.8 mmol/l
What is the management of gestational diabetes?
- Newly diagnosed women should be seen in a joint diabetes and antenatal clinic within a week
- If the fasting plasma glucose level is < 7 mmol//l a trial of diet and exercise should be offered - diet includes eating foods with a low glycaemic index
If glucose targets are not met within 1-2 weeks of altering diet/exercise metformin should be started
If glucose targets still not met - add insulin + diet + exercise + metformin
- If the fasting plasma glucose level is > 7 mmol//l
if the plasma glucose level is between 6-6.9 mmol/l, and there is evidence of complications such as macrosomia or hydramnios, insulin should be offered
glibenclamide - offered to anyone who cannot take metformin
What is the management of pre-existing diabetes during pregnancy?
- weight loss for women with BMI of > 27 kg/m^2
- stop oral hypoglycaemic agents, apart from metformin, and commence insulin
- folic acid 5 mg/day from pre-conception to 12 weeks gestation
- detailed anomaly scan at 20 weeks including four-chamber view of the heart and outflow tracts
- tight glycaemic control reduces complication rates
treat retinopathy as can worsen during pregnancy
How long does lochia last? What is the diagnosis if vaginal discharge present beyond the period and how is it tested for?
Lochia may be defined as the vaginal discharge containing blood mucous and uterine tissue which may continue for 6 weeks after childbirth.
Beyond 6 weeks - indication for US to test for retained products of conception
What is the criteria for oligohydroamnios ?
In oligohydramnios there is reduced amniotic fluid. Definitions vary but include less than 500ml at 32-36 weeks and an amniotic fluid index (AFI) < 5th percentile.
What are some of the causes of oligohydroamnios?
- premature rupture of membranes
- fetal renal problems e.g. renal agenesis
- intrauterine growth restriction
- post-term gestation
- pre-eclampsia
What is the score used to screen for postnatal depression? and what are the cutoffs?
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale may be used to screen for depression:
- 10-item questionnaire, with a maximum score of 30
- score > 13 indicates a ‘depressive illness of varying severity’
What are the diagnostic features of baby blues? Mx?
Typically seen 3-7 days following birth and is more common in primips
Mothers are characteristically anxious, tearful and irritable
Mx: Reassurance and support, the health visitor has a key role
What are the diagnostic features of postnatal depression? Mx?
Most cases start within a month and typically peaks at 3 months
Features are similar to depression seen in other circumstances
Mx:
Reassurance and support
Cognitive behavioural therapy
+ SSRI (sertraline and paroxetine) - if severe
What are the diagnostic features of peurpural depression? Mx?
Onset usually within the first 2-3 weeks following birth
Features include severe swings in mood (similar to bipolar disorder) and disordered perception (e.g. auditory hallucinations)
Recurrence is high in subsequent pregnancies
Mx: Admission to hospital is usually required
What are the risk factors of placenta praevia?
- multiparity
- multiple pregnancy
- embryos are more likely to implant on a lower segment scar from previous caesarean section
What are the characteristic features of placenta praevia?
- shock in proportion to visible loss
- no pain
- uterus not tender
- lie and presentation may be abnormal
- fetal heart usually normal
- coagulation problems rare
- small bleeds before large
How is placenta praevia usually diagnosed?
- placenta praevia is often picked up on the routine 20 week abdominal ultrasound
the RCOG recommend the use of transvaginal - ultrasound as it improves the accuracy of placental localisation and is considered safe
What antibiotics are CI during breastfeeding?
ciprofloxacin
tetracycline
chloramphenicol
sulphonamides
What endocrine drugs are CI during breastfeeding?
Carbimazole
sulfonylureas
What psychaitric drugs are CI during breastfeeding?
lithium, benzodiazepines
clozapine
What cardiovascular drugs are CI during breastfeeding?
Aspirin
Amiodarone
What is the commonest maternal complication of PPROM?
Chorioamnitis
What is the management of PPROM?
- Admission
- Regular observations to ensure chorioamnionitis is not developing
- oral erythromycin should be given for 10 days
- Antenatal corticosteroids should be administered to reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome
- Delivery should be considered at 34 weeks of gestation - there is a trade-off between increased risk of maternal chorioamnionitis with a decreased risk of respiratory distress syndrome as the pregnancy progresses
You are assisting an obstetrics clinic. A couple attend who are 32 weeks pregnant. They had trouble conceiving naturally but were successful in their second round of IVF. It is their first baby. On their 18 week scan the sonographer was concerned about the location of the placenta and they have been rescanned today, confirming the finding. What is the most likely abnormality?
Placenta praevia
What is the criteria for foetal bradycardia on CTG and what are the causes?
Heart rate < 100 /min
Increased fetal vagal tone, maternal beta-blocker use
These are a reduction in fetal heart rate by 15 beats or more for at least 15 seconds. Decelerations are generally abnormal and should prompt senior review. In particular, late decelerations, which are slow to recover are indicative of fetal hypoxia.
What is the criteria for foetal tachycardia on CTG and what are the causes?
Heart rate > 160 /min
Maternal pyrexia, chorioamnionitis, hypoxia, prematurity
Accelerations are a rise in fetal heart rate of at least 15 beats lasting for 15 seconds or more. There should be 2 separate accelerations every 15 minutes. Accelerations typically occur with contractions.
What is the criteria for reduced baseline variability on CTG and what are the causes?
< 5 beats / min
Prematurity, hypoxia