Obstetrics Flashcards
What is gravidity?
Number of pregnancies
What is parity?
Number of deliveries beyond 24w gestation
Describe Naegele’s rule:
EDD = 1 year and 7 days after LMP minus 3 months
At what gestation can uterus start to be felt?
12 weeks
Where can the fundus be felt at 16 weeks?
Halfway between pubic symphysis and umbilicus
Where can the fundus be felt at 20-24 weeks?
Umbilicus
Where can the fundus be felt at 36 weeks?
Under the rib cage
What should the symphysis fundal height be between 16 to 26 weeks?
SFH (cm) = date (in weeks)
What should the symphysis fundal height be between 26 to 36 weeks?
SFH ± 2cm = date (in weeks)
What should the symphysis fundal height be between 36 weeks and term?
SFH ± 3cm = date (in weeks)
What are the important features to palpate in an obstetric examination?
SFH Number of foetuses Fetal lie Presentation Engagement of head
When are fetal movements first noticed?
18-20 weeks
Why is there physiological anaemia during pregnancy?
Plasma vol. rises, red cell vol. also rises but at lower rate hence Hb falls due to dilution
What cardiovascular changes occur during pregnancy?
CO rises due to increase in SV and pulse rate
Peripheral resistance falls
BP falls in 2nd trimester, normal at term
What investigations should be done at booking visit?
Hb, blood group, rhesus status, antibody screen, rubella, HBsAg, HIV, sickle test, Hb electrophoresis, MSU
When should the booking visit take place?
8-12 weeks
What should be done at all antenatal visits?
Urine, BP, SFH
When should anomaly scan and placental localisation take place?
18-20 weeks
When should GDM screen take place? What weeks if previous GDM
28 weeks
16 and 28 weeks if previous GDM
When should the second screen for Hb and Rh antibodies be completed?
28 weeks
If needed, when should the first dose of anti-D be given?
28 weeks
If needed, when should the second dose of anti-D be given?
34 weeks
If needed, when should external cephalic version take place?
36 weeks
If needed, when should a membrane sweep take place?
41 weeks
When should a dating scan be completed?
10-13+6 weeks
What conditions are associated with an increased nuchal translucency?
Down’s
Cardiac abnormalities
What does a uterine artery Doppler measure and what does high resistance indicate?
Resistance within the placenta
High resistance increases risk of maternal pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction
What does a umbilical artery Doppler measure and what does high resistance indicate?
Resistance in the placenta
High resistance indicates placental failure and risk of intrauterine death
What are the components of the combined test?
NT + free hCG + pregnancy associated plasma protein (PAPP-A) + women’s age
When should the combined test be performed?
11-13+6 weeks
If a women books late and misses the combined test, what other tests can be offered and what are the components?
Triple or quadruple test (15-20 wks)
AFP, unconjugated oestradiol, hCG (+ inhibin)
What is the name for trisomy 18 and what are some features?
Edwards’
Small chin, low-set ears, rocker bottom feet and VSD
What is the name for trisomy 13 and what are some features?
Patau’s
Microcephaly, holoprosencephaly, exomphalos, cleft lip and palate
Between which dates can chorionic villus biopsy be carried out?
10-13 weeks
Between which dates can amniocentesis be carried out?
From 16 weeks onwards
List some common minor symptoms of pregnancy:
N+V Headaches Palpitations Urinary freq Abdo pain Breathlessness Constipation GORD Symphysis pubis dysfunction Carpal tunnel syndrome Itchy rashes Ankle oedema Leg cramps
What are the core features of hyperemesis gravidarum?
Persistent vomiting leading to weight loss, dehydration, ketosis and electrolyte imbalances
What increases risk of hyperemesis gravidarum?
Molar pregnancy
Multiple pregnancy
What scoring system can determine severity of hyperemesis gravidarum?
Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE)
What investigations should be performed on a woman who may be suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum?
Urine dip for ketones FBC, U+Es, LFTs, albumin ABG Blood glucose USS
How should mild hyperemesis gravidarum be managed?
Oral antiemetics (promethazine or cyclizine), hydration and dietary advice
How should hyperemesis gravidarum not responding to oral antiemetics be managed?
Admit for rehydration and correction of metabolic disturbance Daily U+Es Antiemetics, corticosteroids High dose folic acid and thiamine VTE risk assess
How is anaemia defined in pregnancy?
Hb <110g/L at booking and <105g/L at 28 weeks
What are some risk factors for anaemia in pregnancy?
Menorrhagia previously Haemoglobinopathies Frequent pregnancies Twin pregnancy Poor diet
What investigations should be performed in a pregnant woman with suspected anaemia?
FBC, serum iron, TIBC, serum ferritin, folate
What is the management of anaemia in pregnancy?
Iron and folate supplements
Parenteral iron or blood transfusion if not responding
How can HIV transmission to babies from mother be reduced?
Maternal anti-retroviral use
Elective CS
Bottle feeding
Below what viral load, can a HIV +ve woman have a vaginal delivery?
<50 copies/ml
What drug can be given to suppress lactation in those not wishing to breastfeeding or where breastfeeding is not recommended?
Cabergoline
What should a neonate born by a HIV +ve mother be given after birth and for how long?
ART for 4-6 weeks
What pre-conception advice should be given to diabetics?
Aim for HbA1c <6.1%
Take 5mg folic acid daily
What are some maternal complications of diabetes in pregnancy?
Hypoglycaemia, pre-eclampsia, infection, higher rates of CS
What are some fetal complications of diabetes in pregnancy?
Miscarriage Malformation rates Macrosomia Polyhydramnios Preterm labour Stillbirth
What fasting glucose level should be aimed for during pregnancy?
3.5-5.3mmol/L
What daily medication should be given to pregnant diabetics from week 12?
Aspirin
What are the cut offs for OGTT and fasting blood glucose in gestational diabetes?
OGTT ≥7.8mmol/L
Fasting ≥5.6mmol/L
List some reasons as to why a woman may be screened for GDM:
1st degree relative, previous baby >4.5kg, BMI >30,
ethnicity at risk, previous GDM
List some management options for GDM:
Diet and exercise
Metformin
Insulin
How should those who suffered with GDM be followed up?
Dietary advice
Fasting glucose 6 weeks postpartum and screen annually
What tests can be performed for a pregnant lady with jaundice?
Urine tests for bile, serology, LFTs, US, bile acids
What is the major symptom of obstetric cholestasis?
Pruritus
Esp. palms and soles in second half of pregnancy, without a rash and worse at night
What are the risks of obstetric cholestasis?
Preterm labour
Fetal distress
Meconium
Still birth
What medication can reduce pruritus in obstetric cholestasis?
Ursodeoxycholic acid
How should obstetric cholestasis be managed?
Weekly LFTs
IOL from 37-38w
Vit K
What are the features of acute fatty liver of pregnancy?
Abdo pain Jaundice Headache Vomiting \+/- thrombocytopenia and pancreatitis
How should acute fatty liver of pregnancy be managed?
HDU or ITU
Supportive treatment
Correct clotting disorders
Expedite delivery
What pre-conception advice should be given to patients suffering from epilepsy?
Seizure control on lowest dose
Avoid polypharmacy
5mg folic acid daily for >3m pre-conception to delivery
Which AEDs shouldn’t be prescribed to women of childbearing age?
Valproate
Carbamazepine
Which antidepressants should be avoided in pregnancy?
Paroxetine
What are the risks of taking lithium in pregnancy for the fetus?
Teratogenicity (heart defects, Ebstein’s anomaly)
Neonatal thyroid abnormalities
Floppy baby syndrome
What fetal malformations are benzodiazepines linked with?
Cleft lip and palate
Due to the risk of IUGR, how often should pregnant women suffering with CF have growth scans?
Every 4 weeks from 28w
Why should NSAIDs be avoided in the third trimester?
Can cause premature closure of ductus arteriosus
How is RA usually affected by pregnancy?
Usually alleviated
How is SLE usually affected by pregnancy?
Exacerbations are more common
What medications can be used in pregnant women suffering from SLE?
Azathioprine
Hydroxychloroquine
Should take daily aspirin
How should pregnant women with antiphospholipid syndrome be managed?
Regular fetal assessment (Doppler and US)
Aspirin 75mg daily throughout and heparin from when fetal heart identified
Postpartum heparin or warfarin
What are the risks of HTN in pregnancy?
Pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, placental abruption
What anti-hypertensives can be used in pregnancy?
Labetalol, nifedipine or methyldopa
What BP should be aimed for during pregnancy if woman has chronic HTN?
<150/90 but diastolic ≥80
What additional medication should be prescribed to pregnant women suffering with HTN?
Aspirin daily
What is the definition of pregnancy induced HTN?
HTN in second half of pregnancy (>140/90) in the absence of proteinuria
When should treatment be started in pregnancy induced HTN? What drug?
Labetalol if >150/100
At what BP, should a pregnant woman be admitted to hospital?
> 160/110
Why is pregnancy a risk factor for VTE?
Venous stasis
Trauma to pelvic veins at delivery
Procoagulant changes to clotting cascade
What are some features of a DVT?
Leg swelling, pain, redness, tenderness, pyrexia, oedema
What are some features of a PE?
SOB, chest pain, haemoptysis, faint, raised JVP, hypoxia, low BP, tachycardia, collapse
What investigations should be performed on a patient with suspected VTE?
FBC, U+Es, LFTs, clotting screen ABG CXR Duplex US CTPA or V/Q scanning
How long after the last dose of LMWH until an epidural/spinal can be inserted?
12 hours
What are some features of congenital rubella syndrome?
Cataract, deafness, cardiac lesions, growth
retardation, hepatosplenomegaly, cerebral palsy
What are some CMV-associated congenital defects?
IUGR, purpuric skin lesions, microcephaly, hepatosplenomegaly, motor and cognitive impairment, deafness
If there a baby is born to a Hep B infected or carrier mother, what should the baby be given at birth?
Immunoglobulins and vaccination
What is the management for primary genital herpes in last trimester of pregnancy?
Oral aciclovir and ELCS
What are some features of fetal varicella syndrome?
Skin scarring, eye defects, neurological abnormalities
What is the drug used in Group B strep prophylaxis?
Benzylpenicillin IV
What are some reasons to give Group B strep prophylaxis during labour?
\+ve GBS HVS Baby previously infected with GBS GBS bacteriuria in this pregnancy Gestation <37w Intrapartum fever \+ve with PROM RoM >18h
What problems affecting the uterus can cause abdominal pain in pregnancy?
Uterine rupture
Fibroids - torsion, red degen
Uterine torsion
Abruption
What are some risk factors for sepsis in pregnancy?
Obesity, diabetes, impaired immunity, immunosuppressants, anaemia, pelvic infection, prolonged RoM
What are the common organisms causing sepsis in pregnancy?
Group A beta-haemolytic strep and E. coli
What are some features of sepsis in pregnancy?
Fever Rigors D+V Rash Abdo or pelvic pain Offensive vaginal discharge Productive cough, urinary symptoms
Should obese women be given folic acid pre-conception?
Yes, 5mg from 1 month prior and through first trimester
What are the risks of being pregnant with sickle cell?
Increased risk of painful crises
Perinatal mortality
Premature labour
Fetal growth restriction
What drug should pregnant sickle cell women be given from 12 weeks gestation?
Aspirin daily
What VTE prophylaxis should be given post-delivery in women with sickle cell? And for how long?
7 days of heparin prophylaxis post vaginal delivery, 6
weeks if CS
Describe postpartum thyroiditis:
Hyperthyroidism is followed by hypothyroidism (4
months postpartum)
How should UTI be treated during pregnancy?
Cefalexin, trimethoprim (not 1st trimester) or nitrofurantoin (not 3rd trimester)
Describe the movement of the baby during labour (6 steps):
- Descent with increased flexion as head enters cavity
- Internal rotation at ischial spine and increase in head flexion
- Disengagement by extension as head comes out of vulva
- Shoulders rotate to lie in AP diameter of pelvic outlet. The head externally rotates
- Delivery of anterior shoulder
- Delivery of posterior shoulder
What are some dangerous causes of antepartum haemorrhage?
Abruption
Placenta praevia
Vasa praevia
What is placental abruption?
Part of the placenta becomes detached from the
uterus
What is a revealed placental abruption?
Bleeding drains through cervix resulting in PV bleed
What is a concealed placental abruption?
Bleeding remains within the uterus, clotting retroplacentally
What are the two types of placental abruption?
Revealed and concealed
What are some features of placental abruption?
Painful vaginal bleeding
Uterus tense and painful
Shock out of keeping of loss
Fetal distress
What are some risk factors for placental abruption?
Pre-eclampsia Previous abruption Smoking Abnormal lie Polyhydramnios Abdo trauma
What investigations should be performed on someone with suspected placental abruption?
FBC, clotting, Kleihauer, G+S, cross match, U+E, LFTs, USS, CTG
What is placenta praevia?
Placenta is fully or partially attached to the lower
uterine segment