Obstetrics Flashcards
When is the window of blastocyst implantation and why?
Cycle day 20-24- due to the perfect balance of hormones
What happens after blastocyst implantation in pregnancy?
The blastocyst buries (Interstitial Implantation)→ primary decidual reaction
What basic placental structures form after interstitial implantation in pregnancy?
- Floating villi
- Anchoring villi
What do Cytotrophoblast progenitor stem cells differentiate into?
1) Terminal→ syncytiotrophoblast
2) Extra-villus trophoblasts
3) Regenerate new CTBs
What are the functions of extra-villous trophoblasts in pregnancy?
Spinal artery remodelling
What is spinal artery remodelling in pregnancy?
Endovascular invasion myometrium- optimum 02 and nutrient supply
Due to extra-villus trophoblast invasion
When does full placental blood flow occur in pregnancy?
Week 10-12
What may poor endovascular remodelling lead to in pregnancy?
Reduced fetal 02 and nutrient supply and subsequently = Pre-eclampsia
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
Preterm birth
Recurrent miscarriage
What is human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)?
A hormone secreted by trophoblast cells of the blastocyst on days 6-7 that:
- Promotes maintenance of corpus luteum
- Maintains production of oestrogen and progesterone
Where is Progesterone produced in pegnancy?
Corpus Luteum makes it until 7-8 weeks
Afterwards the placenta takes over
What are the 4 functions of Progesterone?
- Prepares uterus for implantation
- Makes the cervical mucous thick and impenetrable to sperm after fertilisation
- Decreases immune response to allow pregnancy to happen
- Decreases contractility of uterine smooth muscle to prevent pre-term labour
What does progesterone inhibit?
Lactation during pregnancy.
Fall in progesterone following delivery triggers milk production
What is the name of the breast milk that is produced at birth?
Colostrum
What is the function of Hyman Placental Lactogen (hPL)?
- Mobilises glucose from fat reserves
- Insulin antagonist to facilitate energy supply to foetus
- Converts mammory glands into milk-secreting tissue
What is the function of Prolactin?
Milk production
What is the function of Oxytocin during pregnancy?
Milk ejection reflex
Uterine contraction
What is the principle foetal nutrient during pregancy?
Glucose
What happens to maternal glucose levels at the early stages of pregnancy?
Low glucose levels due to fat deposition and glycogen synthesis
What happens to maternal glucose levels at the late stages of pregnancy?
High glucose levels and maternal insulin resistance to ensure glucose sparing for the foetus
What happens to maternal insulin levels throughout pregnancy?
- Progressive rise until peak at 32 weeks.
- hPL induces insulin resistance to ensure glucose sparing to the foetus
What are the initial immunity changes after fertilisation?
Increases in:
- GFs
- Proteolytic enzymes
- Inflammatory mediators
Facilitates implantation
Why is blastocyst implantation not rejected due to immunity?
Change in self:non self pattern recognition molecules (HLA and MHC proteins)
Why are syncytiotrophoblasts and extra-villus trophoblasts not rejected due to immunity?
Syncytiotrophoblasts: have no self:non-self markers = no maternal immune system
Extra-Villus trophoblasts (EVT): have modified self:non-self markers = modified maternal immune response
What happens to T helper subtype ratio when you’re pregnant?
Normaly = balanced Th1 and Th2
Pregnant = >Th2
What is the only antibody that can cross the placenta?
IgG
Name the relevance of the following Antibodies to pregnancy:
IgA?
IgD?
IgE?
IgG?
IgM?
IgA: secreted in breast milk
IgD: on b-cell membranes
IgE: mast cells (anaphylaxis)
IgG: 4 subtypes and the only Ig to cross the placenta
IgM: pentameric structure (early antibody)
How would you describe a ‘perfect’ pregnancy?
- 37-42 weeks
- Spontaneous in onset + vertex position
Without the use of: - Forceps/C-section/ventose delivery
- Induction of labour
- Epidural/general anaesthesia
What are failure to progress pregnancies 3 P’s?
Power
Passage
Passenger
Describe the pathophysiology of ‘Power’ in failure to progress pregnancy
Need contractions to be strong enough
Difficult in nulliparous women- may need instrumental delivery
Describe the pathophysiology of ‘Passage’ in failure to progress pregnancy
‘Pelvis’ abnormalities in:
- Anterior-posterior diameter (AP) (front to back distance)
- Transverse diameter (side to side length)
Describe the pathophysiology of ‘Passenger’ in failure to progress pregnancy
The baby needs to be in the correct position
Describe the baby head landmarks felt on vaginal examination to assess baby position
Attitude: How well the babies head is flexed (well flexed is best)
- Extended 90° = brow presentation
- Hyperextended >120° = face presentation
Position: occipito anterior/ transverse/ posterior
1) OT when entering inlet
2) OA when entering outlet
3) Then turn 90° to come out facing mothers medial thigh
Size of head
Define moulding
Head compressed through the pelvis
Define caput
Swelling caused during delivery
How long on average is the first stage of pregnancy?
5-12 weeks: Multiparious
8-12 weeks: Primiparous
Describe the early/latent phase of the first part of labour
2-3 days:
- Irregular painful contractions
- Cervix is effacing and thinning
- Dilation to about 4cm
- Mucoid plug
What is Engagement?
How far above the pubic symphysis the babies head is:
3/5th of the head within pelvic brim = engaged
What is Presentation?
Anatomical part of the foetus that presents itself first through the birth canal
What is Lie?
Relationship between long axis of the foetus and long axis of the uterus
What is station?
Relationship between lowest point of presenting part and ischial spines
Describe the Active Phase of Labour (2nd)
- Further dilation from 4cm (0.5cm every hour)
- Regular contractions (3-4 an hour)
- Vaginal exam every 4 hours to assess degree of dilation
- Role of oxytocin/syntocinon inducing labour
What is Entonox?
Name its side effects
Gas and air
SE: N+V
Name the maternal side effects of the most effective form of pain relief during labour
Epidural maternal SE:
- Increase length of 1st and 2nd stage
- Loss of mobility
- Loss of bladder control
- Need for more oxytocin
- Increase incidence of malposition
- Increase instrumental rate
- hypotension & pyrexia
Name the foetal side effects of the most effective form of pain relief during labour
Epidural foetal SE:
- Tachycardia: due to maternal temperature
- Diminished breast feeding behaviour
Name an opiate that could be used as pain relief during labour
Morphine
Name 2 foetal side effects of opiates being used as pain relief during labour
They cross the placenta readily:
- Respiratory depression
- Diminish breath seeking/breast feeding behaviours
Name 4 maternal side effects of opiates being used as pain relief during labour
1) Sedation
2) Euphoria/ dysphoria
3) N+V
4) Longer 1st and 2nd stage
Describe the initial Transition stage of the second stage of labour
Spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM):
- Start to feel pressure (anxious and distressed)
- Contractions can slow/stop
Describe the second part of the Transition stage of the second stage of labour
- Full dilation (10cm)
- External signs (head visible)
- Check baby head landmarks to assess if correct position
In what timeframe should you in In primigravid and multiparous women:
- Suspect delay?
- Diagnose delay?
- Baby be born?
Primigravid:
- Suspect delay: 1hr
- Diagnose delay: 2hr
- Baby born: within 3 hours of pushing
Multiparous:
- Suspect delay: 30mins
- Diagnose delay: 1hr
- Baby born: within 2 hours of pushing
Why is there now delayed cord clamping?
Early clamping doesn’t benefit baby/ mother
Improves iron intake
What happens to endovascular invasion after implantation in the myometrium?
Narrow bore high resistance vessels become wide bore low resistance vessels
Name some maternal CVS changes during pregnancy
- Increased RBC & plasma volume
- Increased plasma volume → decline in haematocrit
- Increased Q due to increase Fe demand (peripheral vasodilation)
- Hypercoagulable = increased risk of embolism
Name the 4 forces that determine fluid movement in/out of a capillary
Out of the capillary :
- Capillary pressure
- Interstitial fluid colloid oncotic pressure
Into the capillary :
- Interstitial fluid pressure
- Plasma colloid oncotic pressure (albumin)
Why is there an increased risk of UTIs in pregnancy
Kidney dilation
Decreased uretal tone and peristalsis = urinary stasis
What is the effect of delayed gastric emptying in pregnancy
Increased heartburn
Increased nutrient uptake
Increase water reabsorption- may cause constipation
What is Chadwick’s Sign?
Early sign of pregnancy where the labia/cervix may appear blue due to increased blood flow (at 6-8 weeks)
Describe the function of the following hormones at birth:
Oxytocin
Prolactin
Oestrogen
Progesterone
Beta-endorphins
Adrenaline
Oxytocin: induces onset & labour contractions
Prolactin: begins milk production in mammary glands
Oestrogen: inhibits progesterone and prepare smooth muscle for labour
Progesterone: aids in cervical ripening
Beta-endorphins: natural pain relief
Adrenaline: energy for birth
What are the 9 Mechanisms of Labour?
DFICERIL:
- Descent
- Flexion
- Internal rotation
- Crowning
- Extension
- Restitution/External Rotation
- Internal restitution of shoulders
- Lateral flexion
How is haemolytic disease of a newborn caused?
1) Rhesus - mother and + father
2) Rhesus - mother and + baby
3) Baby has D antigen and mother does not
4) Mother produces antibody against D antigen and haemolysis of newborns RBCs
Which antibodies can destroy the foetal red blood cells?
IgG antibodies can cross the placenta and destroy foetal RBCs
What can haemolytic disease of a newborn do to the baby?
- Anaemia
- Jaundice
- Brain damage
- Fatal = miscarriage/ stillborn
How can you diagnose haemolytic anaemia?
Raised reticulocyte count, unconjugated bilirubinaemia and urinary urobilinogen
Abnormal RBC shape
Positive Coombes test
Raised red cell precursors in bone marrow
How can foetal RBC lysis be prevented in rhesus negative mothers?
Anti-D prophylaxis: destroys Rh+ IgG so no RBC are attacked
A rhesus- mum is having an amniocentesis.
What must you give her prior to this procedure?
Anti-D!
There is a risk of sensitisation
When is Anti-D given to rhesus negative women?
- Dose 1: 28 weeks
- Dose 2: 34 weeks
What are the potential consequences, if left untreated, of a rhesus - mother having a rhesus + foetus?
There is a risk of RBC lysis → foetal anaemia and death
Describe internal rotation during labour
When the babies head hits the pelvic floor, it turns straight again
(Has to go through pelvis at an angle to fit!)
Describe crowing during labour
When the head pokes out
Describe internal restitution of the shoulders during labour
1) When the head is out it will turn to left/right
2) Shoulders will follow within pelvis
Describe the third stage of labour
- Pushing out the placenta
- Physiological management due to increased blood loss
- 5-30mins
Why may oxytocin be given in the 3rd stage of labour
- To create uterine contraction so that the placenta can separate
- Prevents excessive blood loss/postpartum haemorrhage
Where is Relaxin released from?
What is its function in labour?
- Released from placenta, membranes and lining of the uterus
- Softens ligaments and cartilage of the pelvis, cervix + babies body so that they expand
What is the function of oxytocin in labour?
- Stimulates uterine contractions during orgasm and childbirth
- Triggers foetal ejection reflex when cervix fully dilated
- Contracts uterus post birth to deliver placenta and limit bleeding
What is the function of prostaglandins?
Ripens the cervix → thinning and opening
Stimulates uterine contractions
Describe a breech
Not head first in uterus
Commonest malpresentation
Can be reversed by external cephalic version
What are the complications of an external cephalic version
- Placenta praevia
- APH
- Ruptured membranes
What is a face presentation and the likely method of delivery?
Head extends rather than flexes
Forceps delivery
What is a brow presentation and the method of delivery?
Head is between full flexion and extension
LSCS delivery
How is a transverse lie antenatally diagnosed?
- Ovoid uterus wider at the sides
- Lower pole is empty
- Head lies in one flank
- Foetal heart heard in variable positions
In which malpresentation is there the highest risk of cord prolapse?
What method of delivery would you perform as a result?
Tranverse lie
If persists at 37 weeks and ECV fails = C-section
What is a Occipitoposterior position?
What method of delivery would you perform?
Posterior fontanelle found to lie in posterior quadrant of pelvis
Labour is prolonged due to degree of rotation needed
Instrumental/C-section sometimes required
What is a Primary dysfunctional labour?
Most common in first labour
Due to insufficient uterine contractions
What is the management of Primary dysfunctional labour?
Hydration + Comfort + Analgesia = initial management
Syntocinon infusion after ROM
What is secondary dysfunctional labour and what is the likely cause?
Labour progresses to full dilation and then stops
Likely due to cephalopelvic disproportion (passenger or passage)
What management can delay the 1st stage of labour?
Amniotomy (AROM)
Oxytocin (offer epidural)
What management can delay the 2nd stage of labour?
Instrumental/ LSCS delivery
What is quiescence?
There are no contractions when the myometrium is inactive
What are the most common reasons for inducing labour?
- Prolonged pregnancy
- Premature rupture of membranes and labour doesn’t start
- Diabetic mother >38 weeks
- Rhesus incompatibility
- Pre-eclampsia
- Diabetes
- Growth restriction
- Reduced foetal movements
What is the bishop score?
Assesses whether induction is required
<5 = unlikely to start without induction
> 9 = likely to start spontaneously
Describe the 5 parts of the bishop score
- Cervical dilation (cm)
- Length of cervix (cm)
- Station of head (cm above ischial spines)
- Cervical consistency
- Position of cervix
In the bishops score you can either get 0, 1 or 2.
For each of the 5 parts state what would give a score of 0?
- Cervical dilation (0cm)
- Length of cervix (>2cm)
- Station of head (3cm above ischial spines)
- Cervical consistency (firm)
- Position of cervix (posterior)
In the bishops score you can either get 0,1 or 2.
For each of the 5 parts state what would give a score of 1?
- Cervical dilation (1-2cm)
- Length of cervix (1-2cm)
- Station of head (2cm above ischial spines)
- Cervical consistency (medium)
- Position of cervix (middle)
In the bishops score you can either get 0,1 or 2.
For each of the 5 parts state what would give a score of 2?
- Cervical dilation (3-4cm)
- Length of cervix (<1cm)
- Station of head (1cm above ischial spines)
- Cervical consistency (soft)
- Position of cervix (anterior)
What should be checked prior to induction?
- Lie and position of foetus
- Volume of amniotic fluid
- Tone of uterus
- Ripeness of cervix (using bishops system)
What are contra-indications for induction?
- Severe degree of placenta praevia
- Transverse fetal lie
- Severe cephalopelvic disproportion
- Cervix <4 on bishops score
How is induction performed?
1) Membrane sweep
2) Prostaglandin gel and pessary high in vagina
3) Amniotomy: ROM
4) Oxytocin/ Syntocinon (oxytocin analogue ) (post ROM)
List 11 types of labour pain relief
- Education (breathing, coping, birth partner)
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Water birth (reduces need for anaesthesia)
- Pudendal nerve block S2,S3,S4 (for instrumental)
- Local anaesthesia (lidocaine before epsiotomy/surturing vaginal tears)
- Epidural (T10-S5 (performed at L3-L4))
- Spinal anaesthesia
- Gas and air: entonox
- Paracetamol
- Codeine
- Opioids e.g. pethidine, diamorphine
Where is spinal anaesthesia injected into?
The CSF
Name an anaesthetic that can be given as an epidural
Bupivacaine
Give 3 indications for an epidural
- Maternal request
- Augmented labour
- Twins
- Existing co-morbidities
Give 3 contraindications for an epidural.
- Maternal refusal
- Local infection
- Allergy
Describe the physiology behind a post-dural puncture headache?
Accidental dural puncture → CSF leakage → decreased pressure in fluid around the brain.
Give 3 symptoms of a post dural puncture headache
- Headache is worse on sitting/standing
- Neck stiffness
- Photophobia
How would you treat a post dural puncture headache?
- Lying flat
- Analgesia
- IV fluids
What is the significance of meconium liquor on the pad?
Foetal distress- possible breech
What are the 3 types of breech presentation?
Frank breech
Complete breech
Footling breech
Describe a Frank breech
Hips flexed
Legs extended
Describe a complete breech
Hips and knees are flexed
Feet are below the level of the foetal buttocks
Describe a footling breech
One of both feet are presenting as the lowest part of the foetus (dangling legs)
What is the most favourable position for vaginal delivery and why?
Occipito-anterior- smallest diameter comes through the pelvis
Which breech presentation is associated with highest-risk of cord prolapse?
Footling breech
There is nothing to act as a plug over the cervix if the membranes rupture.
(also true for transverse or oblique lies)
The mentovertical diameter is associated with what presentation?
Brow
What is the usual position of the head at engagement?
Occipito-transverse
The presenting diameter is submento-bregmatic what does this mean?
Face presentation
What is hyperemesis gravidarum?
Persistent + excessive vomiting associated with weight loss (5% body mass), dehydration and ketosis during pregnancy
What placental hormone is hyperemesis gravidarum associated with?
B-hCG
What triad is found in Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
> 5% weight loss
Electrolyte imbalance
Dehydration
What is the management of Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
Mild:
- Avoid large volume drinks
- Small carb meals
Severe:
- Anti-emetics
- IV fluids
- Thromboprophylaxis
- Thiamine supplements
Give 3 types of anti-emetics and an example for each one
Dopamine antagonist: Metoclopramide
Phenothiazines: Prochloperazine
5HT selective serotonin antagonists: Ondansetron
What is Puerperal Pyrexia?
Maternal fever (>38°) in the first 14 days following delivery
What causes Puerperal Pyrexia?
- Endometritis
- UTI
- Mastitis
- VTE
What is the management of Puerperal Pyrexia?
Endometritis suspected = hospital admission for IV Abx (clindamycin and gentamycin) until afebrile for >24hrs
What is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy in developed countries?
VTE (DVT of legs, pelvis and PE)
Preventable
When should you have a VTE risk assessment during pregnancy?
- Booking
- Antenatal admission
- Labour
- Postnatally
What are the risk factors for VTE during pregnancy?
BMI >30
Immobility
Smoking
FHx
Aged >35
Gross varicose veins
Pre-eclampsia
IVF
Multiple pregnancy
Parity >3
What medication can be given postnatally to reduce a woman’s risk of VTE?
LMWH
TED stockings
When is LMWH thromboprophylaxis, compression stockings and early mobilisation indicated in pregnancy?
- Has any risk factor
- If a women requires antenatal LMWH (must be given until 6 weeks postpartum)
If a pregnant/postpartum lady collapses what should you presume?
PE
What is anaemia during pregnancy?
Hb <105g/L
The fall in Hb is steepest ≈20 weeks gestation
What are the risk factors for anaemia?
- Menorrhagia/Malaria/hookworm
- Frequent pregnancies
- Twins
- Poor diet
How would you investigate anaemia in pregnancy?
- Hb estimation at 28 weeks antenatally- test for sickle cell in black patients
- Fe deficiency: low serum Fe, TIBC and serum ferritin
What causes anaemia during pregnancy?
- 2x increase in iron requirements → micro-cytic aneamia (most common cause)
- B12/folate deficiency → macrocytic anaemia
What is the management of iron deficiency anaemia?
Treat cause:
Ferrous sulphate (oral iron therapy) 2x/week
- May cause N/D/V, abdo pain and constipation
Iron rich diet
- Meat and dark green vegetables
Blood transfusion
What should you give to a mother with Hepatitis B?
All mothers should be screened
Give immunoglobulin
Vaccinate babies of carriers and infected mothers at birth
If mother develops Varicella Zoster (Chickenpox) near delivery what should be done to the baby?
Give varicella immune immunoglobulin at birth + monitor for 28 days
Treat with Aciclovir if neonate develops chickenpox
How is Jaundice investigated?
LFTs
Urine dip: bile
Serology
HBsAG (Hep B surface Antigen)
Get expert help PROMPTLY: can be lethal
What inheritance pattern is associated with obstetric cholestasis?
Autosomal dominant
What is the clinical presentation of Obsteteric Cholestasis?
- Jaundice
- Pruritis (palms and soles)
- Worse at night
What investigations would you perform for obstetric cholestasis?
LFTs: raised AST, ALT, GGT and bilirubin
Raised bile acid
Management of Obstetric Cholestasis?
Ursodeoxycholic acid
Emollients (i.e. calamine lotion): soothes skin
Antihistamines (e.g. chlorphenamine): sleeping
Weekly LFTs
Induced at 37 weeks
What are the complications of Obstetric Cholestasis?
- Stillbirths
- Preterm labour
- Meconium
- Foetal distress
In which trimester is Intrahepatic cholestasis and acute fatty liver of pregnancy generally seen?
3rd
What is the clinical presentation of Acute fatty liver of pregnancy?
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
- Pre-eclampsia
- Hypoglycaemia
- Malaise
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headache
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
What is it?
A pregnancy that occurs anywhere outside the uterus
What is the most common place for an ectopic pregnancy
Ampulla of Fallopian tube
What are the risk factors for Ectopic Pregnancy?
- IVF
- Age
- PID
- Ectopic Hx
- Smoking
- Progesterone only pill
- Endometriosis
What is the clinical presentation of Ectopic Pregnancy?
- Amenorrhoea (missed period for 6-8 weeks)
- Vaginal bleeding
- Dizzy → fainting
- Abdo pain/tenderness
- Shoulder tip pain
- Haemoperitoneum (blood in peritoneal cavity)
How is Ectopic Pregnancy diagnosed?
Positive pregnancy test (hCG)
Transvaginal USS:
- Empty uterus
- Fluid in uterus
How is Ectopic pregnancy managed?
Terminate pregnancy:
- Expectant management (awaiting natural termination)
- Medical management (methotrexate if no complication)
- Surgical management (salpingectomy or salpingotomy)
What is the criteria for expectant management of Ectopic Pregnancies?
Follow up
Unruptured
Adnexal mass <35mm
No visible heartbeat
No significant pain
HCG level < 1500 IU / l
What is the criteria for methotrexate management of Ectopic Pregnancies?
Follow up
Unruptured
Adnexal mass <35mm
No visible heartbeat
No significant pain
HCG level < 5000 IU / l
US: confirmed absence of intrauterine pregnancy
What is the criteria for surgical management of Ectopic Pregancies?
Does not fit medical or expectant management +:
Pain
Adnexal mass > 35mm
Visible heartbeat
HCG levels > 5000 IU / l
Name 4 side-effects of Methotrexate
- Conjunctivitis
- Stomatitis
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
What is gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD)?
A group of pregnancy related tumours