Obstetrics Flashcards
what are the components of the first stage of labour
Latent phase and the active phase
Define the latent phase
cervical effacement and increasingly intense irregular contractions lasting 2-3 days.
Define cervical effacement
thinning, softening and shortening of the cervix
what is presentation
the presenting part of the baby engaged with the cervix e.g. cephalic, breech, brow, shoulder and face
define lie in examination of a pelvic examination
the position in which the baby is lying within the abdomen e.g. longitudinal, transverse and oblique
define engagement
the amount that the presenting part of the baby is engaged with the cervix - measured in fifths
describe the cardinal movements in the mechanism of delivery
1) descent
2) engagement
3) flexion of head
4) internal rotation
5) extension
6) external rotation (or restitution)
7) expulsion
Describe the second stage of labour
pushing baby out
Talk through the physiological changes of pregnancy and symptoms
Cardiac: increased output, increased heart rate and decreased BP in 24 weeks.
Haematology: increase in plasma volume = decrease in Hb concentration. Iron absorption increases but iron requirements also increase.
Respiratory: TLC decreases with growing baby, Tidal volume increases
GI: heartburn from baby pressing, N&V from HCG, constipation, haemorrhoids
Renal: increased urination
Vascular: Varicose veins
MSK: backache, symphysis pubis dysfunction
Risk factors for Obstetric issues
- Smoking
- Drug abuse
- alcohol
- weight
- age
- multiple pregnancies
- family Hx of complications
- chronic diseases e.g. diabetes, epilepsy and thyroid problems
- previous abdominal surgery
- STIs
- food poisoning
Which food should pregnant women avoid and why?
- Soft cheeses, unpasteurized milk/cheese, raw fish (sushi) = listeria
- Unwashed salad, fruit, vegetables, raw meats = toxoplasmosis
- shellfish and raw eggs = food poisoning e.g. salmonella
- Caffeine (no more than 200mg a day (2 cups of coffee)) = increases maternal BP and heart rate, increase risk of low birth weight
What are the risks of smoking during pregnancy?
low birth weight and IUGR
What three chromosomal abnormalities are screened for in pregnancy?
Down syndrome (trisomy 21) Edward syndrome (trisomy 18) Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)
What three screening tests can be run for chromosomal abnormalities in pregnancy?
Combined screening test
Triple/quadruple test
Non-invasive testing
What does the combined screening test involve
First trimester • USS • Maternal blood tests USS • Between 11- 14+0 weeks gestation • Measures nuchal translucency – black space seen at the back of the baby’s neck. • Increased NT can sometimes be seen in foetuses with down syndrome Maternal blood tests • β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels • pregnancy associated plasma protein A Risk score generated from the results of the blood tests and USS for down syndrome • 1 in 150 deemed high risk • May need more invasive tests
What does the triple/quadruple test involve
For those who booked late or miss the cut off for the combined screen test. Carried out in the second trimester. Blood tests for placental hormones that a risk score is calculated from. Triple test: • α – feto- protein • oestriol • β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels Quadruple test: • addition of inhibin – A
What does the non-invasive testing involve
- Also known as cfDNA (cell free DNA)
- Blood test that looks at foetal blood in maternal blood which can give risk factors for syndromes like down syndrome.
- Can be done from the 10th week
- Thought to be more accurate than the combined screening test
- Not on NHS, privately for £400
In an uncomplicated pregnancy how many USS scans are performed and when
foetal aging, sexing and growth - 11-14 weeks
foetal abnormality USS at 18-20 weeks
In a complicated pregnancy what are the minimum amount of scans performed
foetal aging, sexing and growth - 11-14 weeks
foetal abnormality USS at 18-20 weeks
growth scans at 28, 32 and 36 weeks
How can you carry out prenatal diagnosis
USS
Chorionic villous sampling
amniocentesis
foetal blood sampling
What antiemetics can be prescribed to a pregnant lady
- Cyclizine
- Metoclopramide
- Ondansetron
What is classified as an early pregnancy problem
any issue occurring in the first 12 weeks