Obstetrics and Gynaecology Flashcards
Most common symptom of chalmydia?
Asymptomatic
Define stress incontinence
Involuntary leakage of urine on effort or exertion, or on sneezing/coughing
Risk factors for stress incontinence?
Increasing age
Past pregnancy and vaginal delivery
Post menopausal
Decreased oestrogen
High BMI
Constipation,
Hysterectomy,
Prolapse
family history, smoking, drugs eg ACEi
How to assess pelvic muscle tone?
Digitally
Use modified oxford grading system (0-5, rates strength of contraction)
What can you do initially to manage stress incontinence?
1) Lifestyle advice: decrease caffeine, advice on fluid intake, smoking cessation, weight loss if BMI over 30
2) 3 months pelvic floor training
3) surgery/duloxetine if surgery undesired by woman or contraindicated
What can be done in secondary care for stress incontinence?
Retro pubic mid-urethral sling
Autologous rectus fascial sling
Colposuspension
Intramural urethral bulking agents
Surgery is first line in secondary care. Can offer duloxetine as 2nd line
Describe an overactive bladder presentation
Urinary urgency associated with increased frequency and nocturia
Can be wet (incontinent) or dry (no incontinence)
Pathophysiology of overactive bladder?
Involuntary contractions of detrusor muscle during filling phase of micturition
Aetiology of overactive bladder?
Most=idiopathic
Can be associated with injury to pelvic/spinal nerves, surgery, MS, drugs eg diuretics/antidepressants/hrt
Mirabegron:
- use
- mechanism
- contraindication
- Overactive bladder if anticholinergics not suitable
- relaxes sm and increases bladder capacity
- uncontrolled bp
How to manage overactive bladder initially?
1) Lifestyle advice
2) Bladder training for at least 6 weeks
3) Anticholingergic e.g. oxybutynin/tolterodine/darifenacin
4) Mirabegron is another option
What are the side effects of anticholinergics?
Mad as a hatter - confused, COGNITIVE DECLINE
Hot as a beet - flushed skin
Hot as a dessert - high temp
Blind as a bat - dilated pupils
Dry as a bone - dry mouth+eyes, urinary retention, constipation
-anticholinergics are not suitable for patients with dementia
Secondary care options for overactive bladder?
Botulinum toxin type a injection into bladder wall
Percutaneous sacral nerve stimulation
Augmentation cystoplasty
Urinary diversion
Types of prolapse?
- Cystocele
- Uterovaginal
- Rectocele
Pathophysiology of prolapse
Pelvic floor muscles and ligaments stretch and weaken over time and can no longer support the bladder/uterus/rectum so the organ slips down into and can protrude out of the vagina
Difference between cystocele and rectocele?
Cystocele=anterior vaginal prolapse (bladder falls through)
Rectocele=posterior vaginal prolapse (rectum falls through
Causes of prolapse/weakened pelvic floor muscles?
pregnancy
difficult labour
large baby
overweight
lower oestrogen after menopause
chronic constipation
chronic cough
repeated heavy lifting
Presentation of prolapse?
Asymptomatic
Heaviness/pulling in pelvis
Feeling like sitting on a small ball
Urinary sx, Bowel sx, Sexual sx
Tissue protruding from vagina
Is prolapse more common in pre or post menopausal women?
Postmenopausal women who have had at least one vaginal delivery
Management of prolapse?
- Lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, oestrogen cream
- Pessaries
- Surgery: repair of tissues (sacroplexy, sacrospinous fixation) or hysterectomy
Types of female genital tract fistulae?
Vesicovaginal (bladder fistula, most common)
Uterovaginal
Urethrovaginal
Rectovaginal
Colovaginal
Enterovaginal (small intestine and vagina)
Why do fistulae develop?
- injury
- surgery
- infection
- radiation treatment
- prolonged childbirth
What are potential problems with vesicovaginal or rectovaginal fistulae?
- uncontrolled urinary or faecal incontinence
- leakage out of the vagina
Treatment of genital tract fistulae?
Surgery
Describe a fibroid
- Most common benign tumour in women
- Smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts accumulate to form a hard, round, whorled tumour in the myometrium (uterine myoma)
When do you get fibroids and why?
During reproductive age as maintained by oestrogen and progestogen
Types of fibroid?
- Submucosal (inner mucosal surface, extend into uterine cavity, cause significant menorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea and reduced fertility)
- Intramural (don’t extend into uterine/peritoneal cavities, may cause menorrhagia and dysmenorrhoea)
- Subserosal (outer serosal surface of uterus and extend into peritoneal cavity, commonly asx)
NB/ submucosal and subserosal may become pedunculated
Risk factors for fibroids?
What reduces risk?
RF: early menarche, late menopause, increasing age, obesity, Afro-carrib, family history,
Reduced risk: pregnancy and number of pregnancies
How does red degeneration of fibroids present?
Pregnant woman with a history of fibroids presenting with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, low-grade fever and tachycardia.
Presentation of fibroids?
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- Prolonged menstruation, lasting more than 7 days
- Abdominal pain, worse during menstruation
- Bloating or feeling full in the abdomen
- Urinary or bowel symptoms due to pelvic pressure or fullness
- Deep dyspareunia (pain during intercourse)
- Reduced fertility
Investigations for fibroids?
Hysteroscopy is the initial investigation for submucosal fibroids presenting with heavy menstrual bleeding.
Pelvic ultrasound is the investigation of choice for larger fibroids.
Management of fibroids?
- No management/safety netting
- If fibroid under 3cm: Mirena coil. Tranexamic acid 2nd line. Can also use COCP but contraindicated when surgery might be involved.
- Surgery +GnRH agonist: endometrial ablation, uterine artery embolisation, myomectomy or hysterectomy. GnRH agonists (e.g. goserelin acetate) used before surgery to reduce size of fibroid and make them less likely to bleed.
Complications of fibroids?
- menorrhagia with iron deficiency anemia
- compression of adjacent organs - urinary obstruction, constipation
- infertility
- torsion
- red degeneration of fibroid (during 1st and 2nd trimester, fever, pain and vomiting)
- miscarriage
Management of fibroids >3cm?
Medical:
- Tranexamic acid/NSAIDS
- Mirena coil – depending on the size and shape of the fibroids and uterus
- Combined oral contraceptive - unless surgery seems likely
- Cyclical oral progestogens
Surgical:
- Uterine artery embolisation
- Myomectomy
- Hysterectomy
Medical management of fibroids less than 3cm?
For fibroids less than 3 cm, the medical management is the same as with heavy menstrual bleeding:
- Mirena coil
- Tranexamic acid/NSAIDS
- Combined oral contraceptive unless surgery is impending
- Cyclical oral progestogens
Surgical options if symptoms are severe:
- Endometrial ablation
- Resection of submucosal fibroids during hysteroscopy
- Hysterectomy
Difference between uterine fibroid and polyp?
Fibroid = benign tumour of fibrous muscle tissue
Polyp = benign tumour of endometrial tissue
Types of ovarian cysts?
- Functional cysts (most common - follicular cyst, corpus luteum cyst)
- Cystadenomas (on surface of ovary)
- Dermoid (teratomas- form from embryonic cells and can contain tissue eg hair/skin/teeth
- Endometriomas
Complications of ovarian cysts?
- Ovarian torsion - dermoid cysts and cystadenomas can grow large and move ovary
- Rupture (severe pain and bleeding)
- Necrosis
Investigations for ovarian cysts?
Pelvic exam
Pregnancy test (+=corpus luteum cyst?)
Pelvic USS
Laparoscopy
CA125 blood test (malignancy?)
Management of ovarian cysts?
Watchful waiting, oral contraceptives, surgery
What are functional cysts? What are the two types?
Cysts as a result of the menstrual cycle, when normal follicle continues to grow. Rarely painful, usually harmless and self limiting for 2-3 cycles
Follicular cyst and corpus luteum cyst (when follicle doesn’t rupture/release its egg or fluid accumulates inside follicle= corpus luteum grows into cyst)
Age distribution of ovarian torsion?
Bimodal :
15-30 and postmenopausal
Causes of ovarian torsion?
Hypermobility of ovary Adnexal mass (most lesions=dermoid cysts or paraovarian cysts)
Younger= developmental abnormalities
Adults=ovarian tumours, polycystic ovaries, adhesions
Presentation of ovarian torsion?
Severe non specific lower abdo/pelvic pain (intermittent or sustained)
Nausea and vomiting
Adnexal tenderness
Commonly have increased WCC
Management of suspected ovarian torsion?
Urgent USS
Urgent surgery to prevent ovarian necrosis
Most ovaries non-salvageable: salpingo-oophorectomy
If non-infarcted= surgical untwisting
What is lichen sclerosus?
- Chronic skin condition that presents with shiny, “porcelain-white” patches of skin.
- Often affects genital and perianal areas.
- Most common in women over 50
- Thought to be autoimmune, linked to type 1 diabetes, thyroid, alopecia, vitiligo.
Presentation of lichen sclerosus?
- Porcelain-white patches of skin
- Skin tightness
- Soreness and pain
- Painful sex (superficial dyspareunia)
- Erosions
- Fissures
Complications of lichen sclerosus?
- Infections (thrush, herpes, S. aureus)
- Increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Management of lichen sclerosus?
- Lifestyle measures: wash gently, non soap cleanser, loose clothing 2.
- Topical steroid ointment: clobetasol propionate 0.05%
- Other topical tx= oestrogen cream, tacrolimus ointment
What are tumour-suppressor genes?
- Genes that act as ‘braking signals’ during G1 phase of the cell cycle, to stop or slow the cycle before S phase.
- If they are mutated, cells grow uncontrollably = cancer
What are oncogenes?
Mutated genes whose presence can stimulate the development of cancer
Most common gynae cancer a)worldwide
b)in UK
a) Cervical
b) Endometrial
What are the types of cervical cancer?
SCC (70-80%) Cervical adenocarcinoma (up to 10%)
What virus is associated with cervical cancer? Which subtypes specifically?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) esp HPV16 and HPV18
What increases risk of HPV causing cervical cancer?
- Missed vaccination
- Early age intercourse
- STI co-infection Immunocompromised
- Smoking
- OCP usage > 5yrs
What increases risk of contracting HPV?
Increased number of sexual partners, no condom use, age at first sexual intercourse
Presentation of cervical cancer?
- Asx
Intermenstrual/postcoital/postmenopausal bleeding - blood-stained vaginal discharge
- mucoid/purulent discharge, pelvic pain/dyspareunia
What things are in place to help prevent cervical cancer?
HPV vaccination at age 12-13 for girls
Cervical cancer screening: every 3 years after 25
Describe the stages of cervical cancer?
- Stage 1: Confined to the cervix
- Stage 2: Invades the uterus or upper 2/3 of the vagina
- Stage 3: Invades the pelvic wall or lower 1/3 of the vagina
- Stage 4: Invades the bladder, rectum or beyond the pelvis
What is cervical intraepithelial neoplasia/CIN?
- Grading system for the level of dysplasia (premalignant change) in the cells of the cervix.
- CIN is diagnosed at colposcopy (not with cervical screening, thats diskaryosis - abnormal karyo/chromosomes/nucleus)
Management of cervical cancer?
- Conservative
- Stage 1: Hysterectomy/lymphadenectomy
- Stage 2+: Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, palliative
What percentage of endometrial cancer cases are preventable?
a) 70.7%
b) 85.1%
c) 94.6%
d) 99.8%
d) 99.8%
Most common cancer in the UK?
Endometrial
9000 cases a year
Red flag symptom for endometrial cancer?
Postmenopausal bleeding
Presentation of endometrial cancer?
- POST MENOPAUSAL BLEEDING
- Postcoital bleeding
- Intermenstrual bleeding
- Unusually heavy menstrual bleeding
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Haematuria
- Anaemia
- Raised platelet count
RFs for endometrial cancer?
- Unopposed oestrogen…
- Postmenopausal
- PCOS
- Obese (oestrogen produced in fatty tissue)
- Nulliparous
- Oestrogen only HRT
- on tamoxifen
- High insulin (diabetes,PCOS)
- Lynch syndrome
Protective factors for endometrial cancer?
- COCP
- Mirena coil
- Increased pregnancies
- Cigarette smoking (anti-oestrogenic)
What type are most endometrial cancers?
Adenocarcinoma (90%)
How to investigate suspected endometrial cancer?
- Transvaginal USS for endometrial thickness (normal is <4mm post-menopause)
- Pipelle biopsy
- Hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy
Management of endometrial cancer?
- hysterectomy +/- lymph nodes
- radio/chemotherapy
- progesterone therapy to slow progression
Presentation of ovarian cancer?
- IBS like symptoms - constantly bloated, abdo distension, abdo discomfort, early satiety/loss of appetite
- change in bowel habit
- urinary frequency/urgency
RFs for ovarian cancer?
- Age (peaks age 60)
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (consider the family history)
- Increased number of ovulations - early onset periods, late menopause, no pregnancies, use of clomifene
- Obesity
- Smoking
What type are most ovarian cancers?
Epithelial
Investigations for suspected ovarian cancer?
Management?
- CA125 blood test (>35 IU/mL is significant)
- USS
Mx= surgery and chemo
Describe staging of ovarian cancer?
i= ovary(ies) ii= bowel/bladder into pelvis/womb iii= into peritoneum, lymph iv= distant organs
Presentation of vulval cancer?
- RARE!
- Over 65s
- itch
- pain
- bleeding
- lump
- dysuria
Presentation of hydatidiform mole?
Dark brown-bright red vaginal bleeding during 1st trimester, severe N/V, sometimes passage of grape-like cysts, pelvic pressure or pain
RFs for vulval cancer?
- Increasing age
- VIN
- lichen sclerosis
- smoking
- previous radiotherapy
What type of cancer is vulval cancer?
SCC - 90%
10% are adenocarcinomas
What is gestational trophoblastic disease?
- A group of rare diseases in which abnormal trophoblast cells (tumours) grow inside the uterus after conception.
- Premalignant: Hydatiform mole
- Malignant: Invasive mole, choriocarcinoma
What is a hydatidiform mole? Two types
Molar pregnancy - abnormal growth (tumour) of trophoblasts
Complete= no formation of foetal tissue, placenta is abnormal and swollen Partial= maybe normal placental tissue, maybe formation of foetus (miscarried)
Pathophysiology of hydatidiform mole?
- Complete mole: No fetal material - enucleated egg is fertilised by 2 sperms, only paternal DNA is expressed
- Partial: May contain fetal material - egg is fertilised by 2 sperms
Complications of hydatidiform mole?
Molar tissue may remain and continue to grow= gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN)
High level of HCG
May develop cancerous form= choriocarcinoma
Investigating hydatidiform mole?
Management?
Ix= HCG, USS, histology, other bloods Mx= evacuation of uterus
What is endometriosis?
- Endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus - commonly involves ovaries, fallopian tube and pelvis lining
- Tissue thickens, breaks down and bleeds but there is no way for the tissue to exit the body and so is trapped
- Tissue becomes irritated, can form scar tissue and adhesions
- If ovaries involved, cysts/endometriomas may form
What is Sampson’s theory of endometriosis?
Retrograde menstruation contributing to endometriosis
Presentation of endometriosis?
- Chronic pelvic pain often associated with periods
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Deep dyspareunia
- Pain on bowel movements or urination
- Excessive bleeding
- Infertility
How to diagnose endometriosis?
Pelvic exam, USS, MRI can point towards diagnose
Only way to formally diagnose= laparoscopy
How to manage endometriosis?
- Simple analgesia= NSAIDs and tranexamic acid
- Ovulation suppression (tricyclic COCP, Mirena coil, GnRH analogues)
- Laser/diathermy ablation
- Radical hysterectomy and oophorectomy
What increases marker CA125?
Ovarian cancer
Also: adenomyosis, ascites, endometriosis, menstruation, breast cancer, ovarian torsion, endometrial cancer, liver disease, metastatic lung cancer
What is found in the functional layer of the endometrium?
Endometrial glands! Endometrium is glandular tissue that secretes glycogen etc. in secretory phase, in preparation for implantation of fertilised egg.
What is adenomyosis?
Uterine condition of ectopic endometrial tissue (adeno) in the myometrium
RFs for adenomyosis?
High oestrogen exposure eg short menstrual cycles and early menarche, or treated with tamoxifen
Presentation of adenomyosis?
- Asx
- multiparous women of reproductive age
- Potential sxs= dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain
What are the 3 types of adenomyosis?
Diffuse, focal, cystic
Investigations for adenomyosis?
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Transabdominal ultrasound, MRI
Management of adenomyosis?
If contraception not wanted:
- Tranexamic acid when there is no associated pain (antifibrinolytic – reduces bleeding)
- Mefenamic acid when there is associated pain (NSAID – reduces bleeding and pain)
If contraception is wanted or acceptable, same as endometriosis:
- Mirena coil (first line)
- Combined oral contraceptive pill
- Cyclical oral progestogens
Define dysfunctional endometrial bleeding?
Abnormal uterine bleeding in absence of recognisable pelvic pathology, general medical disease or pregnancy
Mainly caused by imbalance in sex hormones
Abnormal may= intermenstrual, heavy, clots, bleeding>7 days, short or long cycles, spotting
When do you see lots of dysfunctional endometrial bleeding?
Early on in puberty
how to manage dysfunctional endometrial bleeding?
- Oral contraceptives
- Hormonal contraceptives.
- Mostly a temporary condition- manage any anaemia
How is androgen insensitivity syndrome inherited?
X linked recessive
How does androgen insensitivity syndrome present?
Complete or partial, partial has more ambiguous px eg micropenis or clitoromegaly/hypospadias etc
External female phenotype, genotype is male
Undescended testes, female external genitalia, absence of internal female genitalia, breast tissue, lack of pubic hair/facial hair, taller than female average
Infertile and increased risk of testicular cancer
Primary amenorrhoea
What can be seen in the bloods of someone with androgen insensitivity syndrome?
Increased LH
Normal/raised FSH
Increased oestrogen
Normal/raised testosterone
How to manage androgen insensitivity syndrome?
Bilateral orchidectomy, oestrogen therapy, vaginal dilators/surgery to create adequate vaginal length
Raised as girls/women generally
Incidence of premature menopause
1 in 100 (occurring in under 40s)
Common menopause symptoms?
Hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, low mood or anxiety, reduced libido, memory and concentration problems
What gonadotrophin is higher in menopause?
FSH
how to manage menopause?
HRT, simple measures for sweats/flushes, CBT, antidepressants, testosterone gel (libido), vaginal oestrogen, calcium/vit d/bisphosphonates (osteoporosis risk)
What is atrophic vaginitis?
When does it occur?
Thinning, drying and inflammation of vaginal walls due to decreased oestrogen
Occurs: perimenopause, menopause, surgical menopause, during breast feeding, contraceptive pills, pelvic radiation, chemo, breast cancer hormonal treatment
Describe GSM (genitourinary syndrome of menopause)
Dryness, burning, discharge, itching, burning/urinary/frequency, recurrent UTIs, incontinence, postcoital bleeding, dyspareunia, decreased vaginal lubrication during intercourse, shortening and tightening of vagina
Management of atrophic vaginitis?
Vaginal moisturisers, water-based lubricant, topical oestrogen, vaginal dilators, topical lidocaine, regular intercourse
Precocious and late menarche?
Precocious=under 9
Late= over 15 years
Describe physiology of menarche
Pulsatile GnRH from hypothalamus stimulates pituitary production of FSH and LH. This increases ovarian production of oestrogens (oestradiol and androgens).
Oestradiol causes maturation of ovarian follicles
Increased oestrogen causes uterine endometrial proliferation and eventually an LH surge, causing ovulation or rupture of dominant ovarian follicle
Progesterone (adrenal cortex and ovaries) causes thickening of endometrium
Presentation of endometrial polyps?
Irregular menstrual bleeding, intermenstrual bleeding, menorrhagia, bleeding after menopause, infertility
RFs for endometrial polyps?
Oestrogen dependent: peri/postmenopausal, hypertension, obesity, tamoxifen
How to investigate and manage endometrial polyps?
Ix: transvaginal USS, hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsy
Mx: watchful waiting, short term meds (progestins and GnRH agonists), surgical removal
Most common location for ectopic pregnancy?
Fallopian tube (tubal pregnancy)
RFs for ectopic pregnancy?
Previous ectopic pregnancy, inflammation or infection (STIs), fertility treatments, tubal surgery, birth control (IUD and tubal ligation/tubes tied), smoking
Presentation of ectopic pregnancy?
Positive pregnancy test, early presentation pregnancy (missed period, breast tenderness, nausea), light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain
NB/ if blood leaks from fallopian tube may feel shoulder pain or urge to have bowel movement
Rupture if continued growth- shock and life threatening
How to manage an ectopic pregnancy?
Methotrexate injection for early ectopic without unstabke bleeding
Laparoscopy- salpingostomy/salpingectomy (ectopic/ectopic and tube removed)
Emergency surgery
Incidence of polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrom?
Polycystic ovaries= up to 33% of women of reproductive age
PCOS= 5-15% of women of reproductive age
Pathophysiology of PCOS?
Excess androgens (ovary theca cells- due to hyperinsulinaemia or increased LH) and insulin resistance \> hyperinsulinaemia \> increased androgens and decreased SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) in liver, increased LH due to increased production (anterior pituitary) and increased oestrogen in some women (causing hyperplastic endometrium)
Presentation of PCOS?
Peripubertal -mid 20s
Oligomenorrhoea (under 9 periods/year), infertility/subfertility, acne and hirsutism, alopecia, obesity/difficulty losing weight, psych symptoms, sleep apnoea, may have acanthosis nigricans
Criteria for PCOS? describe
Rotterdam criteria- need at least 2:
Polycystic ovaries, oligo-ovulation/anovulation, clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism
Investigating PCOS?
Testosterone (normal or high), SHBG (normal or low), LH (high), USS, fasting glucose/oral glucose tolerance test
Management of PCOS?
MDT management, advise on cardiac risks
Weight control and exercise, COC pills or IUS, metformin can be used
Complications of PCOS?
Infertility, endometrial hyperplasia/cancer, CVD, T2DM, sleep apnoea
Abnormal formations of uterus ?
Due to incomplete fusion of mullerian or paramesonephric ducts:
Complete failure (double vagina, cervix and uterus)
Some fusion (single vagina and cervix, double single horned uteruses partially fused)
Septate uterus (midline septum)
Arcuate
Unicornuate
Abnormal formations of vagina?
Vaginal agenesis, vaginal atresia, mullerian aplasia, transverse vaginal septa
Turner syndrome genotype?
45X
What is Asherman syndrome?
How to manage?
Formation of intrauterine adhesions; usually due to injury to endometrium
Tendency to develop them after pregnancy
Mx; lysis of adhesions via hysteroscopy
Presentation of asherman syndrome?
Infertility, loss of pregnancy, menstrual abnormalities, abdominal pain
How might prolactinoma present?
Galactorrhoea, amenorrhoea/oligomenorrhoea, anovulatory cycles, infertility, hirsutism, decreased libido
How to manage prolactinoma?
Dopamine agonists eg cabergoline
Surgery
Oestrogen contraception
What can cause pelvic inflammatory disease?
STIs esp gonorrhoea and chlamydia
Mycoplasmas, flora, strep, TB
Presentation of pelvic inflammatory disease?
Bilateral lower abdominal pain, deep dyspareunia, abnormal bleeding, purulent discharge, may have fever, may have N/V, urinary symptoms, proctitis and adnexal mass
Investigating PID?
STI swabs, pregnancy test, laparoscopy (single best diagnostic test), exclusions eg UTI
How to manage PID?
Analgesia
Abx immediately before swab results- IM ceftriaxone 500mg stat then doxycyline 100mg bd and metronidazole 400mg bd for 14 days
Partner notification and treatment
Recent coil insertion but got PID?
If coil recently inserted can leave in, but if no response to abx in 48-72 hour, remove and prescribe any emergency contraceptives if needed
Complications of PID?
Infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, perihepatitis, tubo-ovarian abscess, reactive arthritis, preterm delivery, vertical transmission
How many stages of labour are there?
3
describe the 1st stage of labour
Cervix dilation.
Early labour:
-Latent phase- cervix starts to soften, irregular contractions=hours-days
-Established labour- cervix dilated to 4cm and regular contractions
-Established labour- dilation 6-10cm
How can you speed up labour?
ARM=artificial rupture of the membranes
or oxytocin drip
Describe the 2nd stage of labour
Full cervix dilation up to birth aka the pushing stage
How long does 2nd stage of labour generally take in primiparous women? Multiparous women?
Primi= less than 3 hours Multi= less than 2 hours
Describe the 3rd stage of labour
Delivery of placenta
Two ways of 3rd stage of labour happening?
Active=oxytocin IM injection
or
Physiological= natural where the cord isn’t cut until it’s stopped pulsing, can take about an hour
Pros and cons of active 3rd stage of labour?
Pros= much faster delivery of placenta and lowers risk of postpartum haemorrhage Cons= increased risk of nausea and can make afterpains worse
What counts as premature labour?
Regular contractions resulting in dilation of cervix after week 20 and before week 37 of pregnancy
Presentation of premature labour?
Contractions, constant low dull back ache, pelvic pressure, mild cramps, spotting or light bleeding, rupture of membranes, change in vaginal discharge
Potential risk factors for premature labour?
Multiple pregnancy, previous preterms, shortened cervix, cigarettes, drugs, infections, chronic conditions, stress, polyhydramnios, foetal birth defect, age of mother
How to try to prevent premature labour?
Regular prenatal care, healthy diet, avoid risky substances, pregnancy spacing, cautious with IVF/how many embryos
How should you manage premature labour?
If unwell, speed up delivery with oxytocin/induction/C-section
If over 34 weeks, then let labour progress naturally
Corticosteroids if between 23 and 34 weeks if risk of delivery in next week
Tocolytics can be used for around 48 hours to buy time for course of steroids/transfer time
Magnesium sulfate venous infusion to reduce risk of cerebral palsy for under 34 weeks
What to give if in labour before 34 weeks gestation?
Magnesium sulfate, steroids
Tocolytics if need to buy time (about 48 hours)
Define premature rupture of membranes (prom)?
Rupture of foetal membranes at least one hour prior to the onset of labour in over 37 weeks gestation pregnancies
How common is premature rupture of membranes?
10-15% term pregnancies
Define preterm premature rupture of membranes (p-prom)
rupture of membranes at least one hour prior to onset of labour in under 37 weeks of gestation pregnancies
Incidence of preterm premature rupture of membranes
Associated with 40% preterm deliveries
What comprises foetal membranes?
chorion and amnion
What can cause premature rupture of membranes?
Early activation of normal physiological processes (enzymes)
Infection (inflammatory markers weaken the membranes)
Genetic predisposition
Risk factors for premature rupture of membranes?
Smoking, previous PROM, vaginal bleeding, lower genital tract infection, invasive procedures eg amniocentesis, polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancy, cervical insufficiency
Presentation of premature rupture of membranes?
“broken waters”- painless popping sensation then gush of watery fluid or non specific eg gradual leakage
Management of suspected premature rupture of membranes?
Speculum exam- pooling in posterior vaginal fornix (need to lie down for at least 30 mins to see this)
Avoid digital vaginal examination until active labour
High vaginal swab- if GBS then start clindamycin/penicillin during labour
Complications of premature rupture of membranes?
Chorioamnionitis, oligohydramnios, neonatal death, placental abruption, umbilical cord prolapse
Commonest associations with placental insufficiency and low birthweight?
DM, htn, clotting disorders, anaemia, medications especially blood thinners, smoking, drug abuse especially cocaine/heroin/methamphetamine, placental poor attachment or placental abruption
Risk of placental insufficiency
- to mum?
- to baby?
Mum= preeclampsia, placental abruption, preterm labour and delivery Baby= greater risk of o2 deprivation, hypothermia, hypoglycaemia, hypocalcaemia, polycythaemia, premature, c-section, stillbirth, death
What is a miscarriage?
2 types?
Loss of pregnancy before 24 weeks gestation
Early miscarriage= more common- 1st trimester (before 12-13 weeks)
Late miscarriage=13-24 weeks
How common is miscarriage?
Very! 20-25% of pregnancies
Risk factors for miscarriage?
Over 30, previous miscarriage, obesity, chromosomal abnormalities, smoking, uterine anomalies, previous uterine surgery, anti-phospholipid syndrome, coagulopathies
Presentation of suspected miscarriage?
Vaginal bleeding, cramping pain, incidental finding on USS
Positive pregnancy test and bleeding +/- pain
Investigations for suspected miscarrage?
Transvaginal USS is 1st line
Serum b-HCG if us not available
Management of miscarriage?
If late miscarriage- need anti- D prophylaxis if rh neg
Conservative/expectant=allow to pass naturally
Medical=vaginal misoprostol (prostaglandin analogue- stimulates cervical ripening and contractions)
Surgery= manual vacuum aspiration if early miscarriage or for evacuation of retained products of conception
Classification of miscarriages?
Threatened, inevitable, missed, incomplete, complete, septic
Describe a threatened miscarriage
Mild bleeding +/- pain, cervix close - still a viable pregnancy
Describe an inevitable miscarriage
Heavy bleeding, clots, pain, cervix open- internal cervical os opened
Foetus viable or non viable
Describe a missed miscarriage
Asx or hx of threatened miscarriage, ongoing discharge, small for dates uterus
Describe an incomplete miscarriage
Products of conception partially expelled, sxs of missed miscarriage or bleeding/clots
Describe a septic miscarriage
Infected POC: fever, rigors, uterine tenderness, bleeding/discharge, pain
Define recurrent miscarriage
At least 3 consecutive pregnancies with miscarriage
What is gestational diabetes?
Any degree of glucose intolerance with onset of first recognition during pregnancy
Why does gestational diabetes occur?
Progressive insulin resistance in pregnancy and insulin requirements rise by 30% during pregnancy
A borderline pancreatic reserve is unable to respond to higher requirements and causes transient hyperglycaemia (insulin resistance falls after pregnancy)
RFs for gestational diabetes?
BMI over 30, asian, previous gestational dm, 1st degree relative with dm, PCOS, previous macrosomic baby (pver 4.5kg)
How would gestational diabetes present? What investigation
Px= asx or DM sxs eg polyuria/dipsia and fatigue
Ix=OGTT
How to manage gestational diabetes?
Lifestyle advice, capillary glucose measurements qds, may need metformin (glibenclamide 2nd line) or insulin
Deliver at 37-38 weeks if on treatment
Stop treatment immediately after delivery then 6-13 weeks later do a fasting glucose test to confirm transience
Foetal complications of gestational diabetes
Macrosomia, organomegaly, erythropoiesis, polyhydramnios, increased rate of pre-term delivery
Neonatal hypoglycaemia
Pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia
Incomplete remodelling of spiral arteries causes a high resistance low flow uteroplacental circulation (the constrictive muscular walls are maintained)
Increased BP, hypoxia and oxidative stress leads to inadequate uteroplacental perfusion causing a systemic inflammatory response and endothelial cell dysfunction
Risk factors for pre-eclampsia? 3 moderate and 3 high
Moderate= nuliparity, over 39 years, BMI at least 35, FH, pregnancy interval over 10 years, multiple pregnancy High= chronic htn, htn/pre-eclampsia/eclampsia in previous pregnancy, CKD, DM, autoimmune diseases
How to do and who to consider prophylaxis for pre-eclampsia?
75mg aspirin/day from 12 weeks to birth
In women with at least 1 high or at least 2 moderate risk factors
Pre-eclampsia potential features
hypertension (2 occasions at least 4 hours apart, over 140/90)
significant proteinuria
over 20 weeks gestation
How does pre-eclampsia present?
Asx, frontal headaches, visual disturbance, epigastric pain, hyperreflexia, sudden onset non-dependent oedema
Classification of pre-eclampsia
Mild= 140/90-149/99
Mod=150/100-159/109
Severe= at least 160/110 and proteinuria or at least 140/90+sxs+proteinuria
Does pre-eclampsia resolve?
Yes, following placental delivery
Management of pre-eclampsia?
Monitoring, VTE prevention, antihypertensives= labetalol (1st line), also nifedipine/methyldopa, delivery!
After delivery, monitor BP for 2 days then once every 3-5 days
Maternal complications of pre-eclampsia?
HELLP syndrome (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low plateletes), eclampsia, aki, dic, ards, htn, stroke, death
What is eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia and convulsions
Obstetric emergency
Presentation of eclampsia?
Most seizures occur in postnatal period
New onset tonic clonic type seizure, lasting about 60-75 seconds with variable post ictal period
S+Ss relating to end organ dysfunction
Foetal complications of eclampsia?
Intrauterine growth restriction, prematurity, IRDS, foetal death, placental abruption
How to manage eclampsia?
Resuscitation
Seizure cessation with magnesium sulfate
BP control with labetalol and hydralazine
Prompt delivery via C section after mother stabilised
Postpartum and postnatal monitoring and follow up
Why might people with essential hypertension prior to pregnancy not need treatment during their pregnancy?
Physiological drop in BP during pregnancy, so may even get hypotension, or sustain BP below 110/70
What is target BP during pregnancy?
Less than 135/85
How to manage essential hypertension during pregnancy?
Stop ACEi/ARB and start labetalol (1st line)
Nifedipine (2nd line), methyldopa (3rd line)
From 12 weeks onwards 75-150mg aspirin daily
Causes of antenatal haemorrhage?
Placental abruption, placenta praevia, vasa praevia, uterine rupture, local genital causes
Management of APH?
- corticosteroids 24+0-36+6 weeks
- active management of third stage of labour
Should women with APH be hospitalised?
Women presenting with spotting who are no longer bleeding and where placenta praevia has been excluded can go home.
All women with APH heavier than spotting and women with ongoing bleeding should remain in hospital at least until the bleeding has stopped.
Complications of APH?
Maternal: Anaemia, infection, shock, consumptive coagulopathy, PPH
Fetal: Hypoxia, SGA and FGR, prematurity, fetal death
What is placenta praevia? 2 types?
Placenta fully or partially attached to lower uterine segment
Minor= low placenta, but doesn’t cover internal cervical os
Major= placenta lies over internal cervical os
RFs for placenta praevia?
Previous C-section (higher risk with greater number), high parity, age over 40, multiple pregnancy, PMH, endometritis
What examination should you NOT perform in suspected placenta praevia?
Digital vaginal exam
How does placenta praevia present?
Painless vaginal bleeding
How to manage placenta praevia?
ABCDE
If incidental finding at 20 week scan; minor= repeat scan at 36 weeks, major=repeat scan at 32 weeks
C-section=safest mode of delivery (38 weeks for major)
Anti-D within 72 hours of onset of bleeding to Rh neg mother
What is placenta accreta?
Placenta grows too deeply into uterine wall and part/all of placenta remains attached after childbirth- can cause severe haemorrhage
3 degrees of placenta accreta?
Accreta - placenta ATTACHES to the surface of the myometrium
Increta - placenta INVADES deeply into the myometrium
Percreta - placenta PERMEATES past the myometrium and perimetrium, potentially reaching other organs
RFs for placenta accreta?
PMH
Previous C section and other uterine surgery e.g. endometrial curretage due to miscarriage/abortion
Low-lying placenta or placenta previa
Maternal age, multigravida
Management of placenta accreta?
Confirm on MRI
C-section and hysterectomy (helps to prevent haemorrhage if there’s an attempt to separate placenta)
Deliver between 34-36+6 if complicated, 36-37 weeks if uncomplicated
What is placenta increta?
Placenta invades into muscles of uterus (form of placenta accreta)
What is placental abruption? Why does it occur?
Part/all of placenta separates from uterine wall prematurely (cause of antenatal haemorrhage)
Due to rupture of maternal vessels within basal layer of endometrium- blood accumulates and splits the placental attachment
2 types of placental abruption?
Revealed- blood drains through the cervix
Concealed- bleeding remains within uterus causing a retroplacental clot
RFs for placental abruption?
PMH (most predictive factor), pre-eclampsia/htn, abnormal lie of baby, polyhydramnios, abdo trauma, smoking, drugs, bleeding in 1st trimester, thrombophilia, multiple pregnancy
Presentation of placental abruption?
Painful bleeding
Management of placental abruption?
ABCDE
Emergency delivery due to maternal and/or foetal compromise
Induction of labour
Conservative
Anti-D if applicable within 72 hours of bleeding onset
How to reduce the risk of a retained placenta?
Use active management in third stage of labour with syntocinon
Presentation of retained placenta?
Fever, badly smelling discharge, heavy bleeding, pain
Management of retained placenta?
Empty bladder/change position
Pull on umbilical cord
Surgery to scrape it away
What is uterine rupture? Two types
Obstetric emergency: Full thickness disruption of uterine muscle and overlying serosa, typically during labour, can extend to affect bladder or broad ligament
Incomplete= intact peritoneum over uterus, uterine contents remain in uterus
Complete= torn peritoneum, uterine contents can escape into peritoneal cavity
RFs for uterine rupture?
Previous C-section/uterine surgery, induction, obstruction of labour, multiple pregnancy, multiparity
Presentation of uterine rupture?
Non specific
Sudden, severe abdo pain persisting between contractions, may have vaginal bleeding
Management of uterine rupture?
ABCDE
Emergency C section and uterus repair or hysterectomy
(decision-incision interval should be less than 30 mins)
What is cervical show?
Small amount of bleeding from vagina caused by rupture of small blood vessels in cervix due to contractions- slow cervical dilatation
Part of labour
What is vasa praevia?
Foetal blood vessels run near/over internal cervical os- likely to rupture in active labour as unprotected by placental tissue or wharton’s jelly of umbilical cord
How does vasa praevia present? (classic triad)
rupture of membranes
painless vaginal bleeding
fetal bradycardia
How to manage vasa praevia?
Emergency C sections
Improved mortality rates if picked up on USS and using a planned C section
What differentiates antepartum haemorrhage from miscarriage?
Timing
Miscarriage= before 24 weeks
Antepartum haemorrhage= bleeding from birth canal after 24th week of pregnancy until second stage of labour complete