Obstetrics Flashcards
What is the role of the amniotic sac
Stores amniotic fluid: Prevents shock and infections to the baby
Why does someone’s ‘water’ break
Indicator of uterine contractions
What is the premature rupture of membranes
This is membrane rupture in the absence of uterine contractions
When is premature rupture of membranes diagnosed
If it happens after 37 weeks
What is preterm premature rupture of membranes(pPROM)
This is when membrane ruptures before 37 weeks.
What is prolonged rupture of membranes
When membrane rupture happens greater than 18 hours before delivery.
Risk factors for PROM or pPROM
- Previous PROM
- Genital or UTIs
- Smoking
- Polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid)
- Abdo trauma
Diagnosis of PROM
- Speculum Exam
AVOID DIGITAL EXAMINATION (increases risk of infection and precipitate labour in women with pPROM)
- Nitrazine and Fern test
- Check fetal status
- Screen for STIs (can be caused by rupture)
What does a speculum exam show in PROM
- Shows fluid pooling in posterior vaginal fornix
Is there a cause for concern if blood or meconium is found in the posterior vaginal fornix
No
What is the Nitrazine and Fern test
To check for amniotic fluid (make sure it is).
Nitrazine: fluid placed on pH sensitive paper (pos = dark blue)
Fern test: Fluid placed on slide and examined under microscope - positive if ferning pattern is seen (like a plant)
What do we do if no fluid is seen in posterior vaginal fornix when checking for PROM
- Individual asked to cough and press on uterine fundus.
May enhance amniotic fluid flow through cervical opening
If nothing is seen on the speculum exam for PROM after amniotic fluid press, what should be done and what is seen
- USS: should see low amniotic fluid volume (oligohydramnos)
What is oligohydramnios
When Amniotic fluid index <5cm
This confirms premature reupture of membrane
What do we do if AFI turns out low-normal when checking for PROM
6-7cm:
PAMG-1 test
IGFBP-1 test
Combined test
What is PAMG-1
Placental alpha-microglobulin-1
What does IGFBP-1 look for
Placental protein 12
What does the combined test look for
- Placental protein 12
2. Alpha fetoprotein
How is fetal status determined
- USS: to check for fetal position and gestational age
2. Non-stress test: fetal wellbeing
What is a non-stress test
- 20 minute recording of fetal heart rate using Cardiotocograph
What is a cardiotocograph
Electronic fetal monitor
What is a normal heart rate on cardiotocography
- 110-160BPM
2. at least 2 accelerations (changes in 15BPM up or down
What kind of accelerations do we see in preganncies above 32 weeks
changes in 15BPM lasting for 12 secs
What kind of accelerations do we see in pregnancies below 32 weeks
changes in 10BPM lasting at least 10 secs.