Obstetrics Flashcards
What are the features of foetal varicella syndrome?
Skin scarring Eye defects (microphthalmia), limb hypoplasia, microcephaly, learning disabilities
What should you do if there is any doubt regarding mother previously having chicken pox?
Check maternal blood for varicella antibodies
If mother is found not to be immune to varicella what should be given?
Varicella zoster immunoglobulin
If a mother has not received MMR vaccine when should they be offered it?
In the postnatal period
What is the main cause of lactation mastitis?
Milk stasis due to over production or insufficient removal.
What are the clinical features of lactation mastitis?
Breast pain usually unilateral
Associated erythema, heat and tenderness
What is the most common infectious cause of lactation mastitis?
Staph aureus
What is the 1st line management of lactation mastitis?
Analgesia and encourage effective milk removal (continue breastfeeding or expressing)
If symptoms of lactation mastitis do not improve after 12-24hrs of conservative management what is the first line abx?
Flucloxacillin 500mg qds for 14days
Erythromycin If pen allergic
2nd line is co amoxiclav
What is intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (obstetric cholestasis) and how does it present?
Stasis of cholesterol occurs during pregnancy
Presents with pruritus (typically worse on palms, soles and abdomen)
Raised bilirubin
How do you manage obstetric cholestasis?
Induction of labour at 37weeks due to risk of still birth
Ursodeoxycholic acid
Vit k supplementation
What is lochia?
Vaginal discharge containing mucous and uterine tissue which may continue for 6weeks after childbirth
Can start red and then go brown.
Describe the 4 degrees of perineal tears
1st degree: tear within vaginal mucosa only
2nd degree: tear into SC tissue
3rd degree: laceration extends into external anal sphincter
4th degree: laceration extends through external anal sphincter into rectal mucosa
What is the secondary prevention of pre-eclampsia in weeks 12-14 in at risk mothers?
Low dose aspirin (75mg OD from 12 weeks until birth of the baby)
which groups of people are at risk of HTN in pregnancy?
HTN in previous pregnancy
CKD
autoimmune disorders such as SLE or antiphospholipid syndrome
T1 +2DM
Describe the normal variation in BP during pregnancy
BP usually falls in 1st trimester (particularly diastolic) and continue to fall until 20-24 weeks
after this the BP increases to pre-pregnancy levels by term
Define HTN in pregnancy
systolic BP >140mmHg or diastolic BP>90mmHg
or an increase above booking readings of >30mmHg systolic or >15mmHg diastolic.
What are the 3 classifications of HTN in pregnancy?
Pre-existing HTN
Pregnancy induced HTN ( gestational HTN)- this occurs after 20 weeks
Pre-eclampsia
What biochemical test results would you expect in a molar pregnancy?
v high b hCG
low TSH
high thyroxine
hCG can mimic TSH causing hyperthyroidism
What are gestational trophoblastic disorders?
they describe a spectrum of disorders originating from the placental trophoblast:
complete hydatiditform mole
partial hydatidiform mole
choriocarcinoma
What is a complete hydatidiform mole and why does it develop?
it is a benign tumour of trophoblastic material that occurs when an empty egg is fertilised by a single sperm that then duplicates its own DNA hence all 46 chromosomes are of parental origin.
What are the presenting features of a molar pregnancy?
bleeding in 1st or early 2nd trimester exaggerated symptoms of pregnancy e.g. hyperemesis uterus large for dates very high serum hCG HTN and hyperthyroidism may be seen
what is the management of a molar pregnancy?
urgent referral to specialist centre for evacuation of the uterus
effective contraception is recommended to avoid pregnancy in the next 12months
what is a partial molar pregnancy?
a normal haploid egg is fertilised by 2 sperms
what % of patients with complete hydatidiform moles go on to develop choriocarcinoma?
2-3%
What is hyperemesis gravidarum?
a serious complication of pregnancy causing severe “morning sickness” leading to life threatening dehydration and metabolic derangements.
if severe can result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies –> diplopia ad ataxia suggestive of Wernicke’s encephalopathy
It can present with vomiting, dry skin, tiredness and raised B-hCG. Wt loss can occur in severe cases
At hat time in the pregnancy is hyperemesis gravidarum most common?
between 8-12 weeks but may persist until 20weeks
what scoring system can be used to clarify the severity of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy?
PUQE score
what is hyperemesis gravidarum associated with
multiple pregnancies trophoblastic disease hyperthyroidism nulliparity obesity
what is the management of hyperemesis gravidarum?
antihistamines are 1st line e.g. promethazine
ondansetron and metoclopramide may be used 2nd line
admission for IV hydration may be needed
if they develop wernickes encephalopathy they will need IV Pabrinex (Vit B and C)
what are the layers an obstetrician needs to cut through in a C-section?
Skin Superficial fascia Deep fascia Anterior rectus sheath Rectus abdominis muscle (not cut, rather pushed laterally following incision of the linea alba) Transversalis fascia Extraperitoneal connective tissue Peritoneum Uterus
what are the 2 main types of C-section?
Lower segment C-section (99%)
classic C-section (longitudinal incision un the upper segment of the uterus
what are some indications for c-section?
placenta praaevia grades 3/4
pre-eclampsia
post- maturity
IUGR
foetal distress in labour or a prolapsed cord
failure of labour to progress
malpresentations
placental abruption (if foetal distress- if dead deliver vaginally)
vaginal infections e.g. active herpes
cervical cancer (disseminates cancer cells)
true or false
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
true
what causes peripheral oedema in pregnancy?
increased fluid pressure both from sodium and water retention and venous stasis from pelvic obstruction.
(* this is normal)