Obstetrics Flashcards
On which day of the menstrual cycle does ovulation take place?
Day 14
Caused by release of luteinising hormone.
Where does fertilisation occur?
Fallopian tube
The blastocyst implants into the __1__ in the fundus of the uterus on day __2__.
1) decidua
2) 23
After the blastocyst has implanted there is
production of __1__ which causes the ovary to produce progesterone from the __2__ until 10-12 weeks, where the __3__ takes over.
1) B-hCG
2) corpus luteum
3) placenta
What value denotes a positive pregnancy test?
hCG >25 IU/mL
B-hCG stimulates release of __?__, which is the main pregnancy hormone that modifies maternal physiology.
Progesterone
What are some of the less desirable effects of progesterone on maternal physiology?
Stress incontinence, acid reflux and constipation due to progesterone induced smooth muscle relaxations
What infections are commonly associated with poor foetal growth?
Viral: Rubella, CMV, VZ, measles, hepatitis A & B
Protozoan: Toxoplasma
Bacterial: Listeria, syphilis
How is the estimated date of delivery calculated?
Date of last menstrual period + 9 months + 7 days
A pregnant lady attends for her booking appointment. Her last menstrual period was on 21/08/2020, what is her estimated due date?
28/05/2021
LMP + 7 days + 9 months
What bloods are done at the maternity booking visit?
First antenatal bloods:
- FBC: anaemia
- Group and save
- Haemoglobinopathies
- Blood group and antibody screen; early identification of rhesus-negative women
- Infection screen: HIV, Hepatitis B, Syphilis, Rubella
How is gravida and parity counted?
Parity: number of births after 24 weeks (inc. stillborn).
Losses before 24 weeks are given after the +.
e.g. Parity 1 + 0 indicates this woman has had one previous birth after 24 weeks, and no miscarriage or termination prior to 24 weeks.
Gravida also includes the current pregnancy, if applicable.
So a pregnant woman with two previous kids and an early miscarriage is:
G4 P2 + 1
What are the recommended folic acid doses for pregnant women?
400 micrograms/day for most women.
5 mg/day for higher risk women (previous neural tube defect or women with epilepsy).
How frequent are nulliparous women ideally seen for antenatal appointments?
10 antenatal appointments for nulliparous:
Booking (~10wks), 16, 25, 28, 31, 34, 36, 38, 40 and 41 weeks.
All the same as multiparous except two extras at 25 and 31 weeks.
How frequent are multiparous women ideally seen for antenatal appointments?
8 antenatal appointments for multiparous:
Booking (~10wks), 16, 28, 34, 36, 38, 40 and 41 weeks.
This feature is measured at the 11+2 - 14+2 week scan and may help identify foetuses at high risk of having Down’s syndrome.
Nuchal transparency.
An enlarged nuchal transparency is >0.35cm.
What measurements are taken at the 11 week scan that contribute to calculating the risk of a foetus having Down’s syndrome?
- Nuchal transparency (enlarged if >0.35cm)
- hCG
- PAPPA (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, low levels may be seen in Down’s syndrome)
Management of backache and sciatica in pregnancy
Lifestyle mods, e.g. sleeping positions
Alternative therapies, e.g. massage
Physiotherapy
Simple analgesia
Management of haemorrhoids in pregnancy
Avoid constipation from early pregnancy
Ice packs and digital reduction of prolapsed haemorrhoids
Suppository and ointment for symptomatic relief
Surgical referral, if thrombosed
Management of varicose veins in pregnancy
Regular exercise
Compression hosiery
Consider thromboprophylaxis if other risk factors are present
Management of carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy
sleeping with hands over side of bed may help
Wrist splints may benefit
Usually resolves spontaneously after delivery
If evidence of neurology deficit, surgical referral may be indicated
Management of symphysis pubis dysfunction in pregnancy
Physiotherapy
Simple analgesia
Limit abduction of legs at delivery
C-section not indicated
Management of constipation in pregnancy
Usually improves through course of pregnancy
Lifestyle mods, e.g. increased fibre and water intake
Osmotic laxatives (lactulose)
Management of GORD in pregnancy
Lifestyle mods, e.g. sleeping propped up, avoid spicy food
Alginate preparations and simple antacids
If severe, H2 receptor antagonists (ranitidine)