Obstetrics Part 2 Flashcards
Differentiate between augmentation and induction as it relates to labor and state how they are achieved.
Aug: inc already present contractions
Induc: initiating labor before spontaneous onset.
Both performed via PGs, oxytocic agents, mechanical dilation, artificial ROM
What is used to predict the success of labor induction and how is it evaluated?
Bishop Score –> rates five categories - position of cervix, consistency of uterus, effacement, dilation, and station - scored on a scale from 0 to 2 or 3 with zero being least favorable. Bishop score < 5 predicts failed induction as much as 50% of the time.
Define station of labor.
Rates the position of the baby’s head (or other presenting part) in relation to the ischial spines of the pelvis.
If a patient scores 5 or less on Bishop Scale, what can be done to improve likelihood of induction success?
PGE2 gel, pessary, or miso used to ripen the cervix.
What are the contraindications to induction of labor?
asthma, glaucoma, prior section, non reassuring fetal testing
What signs seen in fetal monitoring indicate potential need for augmentation/induction?
HR > 160 indicating distress secondary to hypoxia, infection, or anemia.
Decels > 2 minutes with HR < 90 requires immediate action.
Define and describe decelerations during labor.
Decreases in fetal HR furing labor that are characterized as either early, variable, or late relative to uterine contractions.
Define early deceleration.
Symmetrical decrease and return of FHR associated with uterine contraction. Nadir of HR will correspond to peak of contraction strength
Define variable deceleration.
Occur at any time and drop more precipitously than early or late decels.
Define late deceleration.
Start at the peak of contraction and return to baseline after contraction has concluded.
Which deceleration pattern is most worrisome?
Late
How should repetitive decels be managed and what is the contraindication to this management?
Monitoring with fetal scalp electrode.
CI: Maternal hepatitis or HIV or fetal thrombocytopenia
Define the three categories of fetal HR tracing.
1: Normal - normal baseline, moderate variability, and no variable or late decelerations
2: Indeterminate - many different tracings. Could be variable/late decels, brady, tachy, etc.
3: Abnormal - absent variability plus recurrent late/variable decels or bradycardia. Sinusoidal pattern also abnormal (cat 3)
What does a sinusoidal fetal HR tracing indicate?
Fetal anemia
Define Montevideo Units.
Method of measuring uterine contractions. Intrauterine Pressure Catheter (IUPC) monitors changes that are summed over a 10 minute period. 200 or above is adequate.
If fetal HR tracing is concerning, what additional monitoring may be done and what values are normal or concerning?
Fetal scalp pH to assess for fetal hypoxia and acidemia. Reassuring when pH > 7.25 is reassuring. Bad when pH < 7.20. Normal fetal SpO2 > 30%.
Describe the VEAL CHOP acronym used to categorize decelerations.
Variables = Cord compression Early = Head compression Accelerations = Ok Late = Placental insufficiency (worst)
What is the most common cause of infant morbidity and mortality in the developed world?
Pre-term labor
Define pre-term labor.
Sustained, progressive uterine contractions which lead to cervical dilatation and effacement between 20 and 37 weeks gestation
What is the term for sustained uterine contractions before 20 weeks gestation?
Inevitable spontaneous abortion.
What are the fours broadly classified causes of preterm uterine contractions?
- pathologic uterine distension
- decidual hemorrhage and abruption
- exaggerated response to infection/inflammation
- premature HPA axis activation s/p maternal or fetal stress.
What are the 2 primary causes of pathological uterine distension?
Multiple gestation and polyhydraminos
What is the decidua and what is the primary cause of damage to the decidual blood vessels?
Decidua: modified endometrium ion pregnancy
Damage most commonly s/p maternal HTN
Describe the pathophysiology of inflammation or infection leading to premature uterine contractions.
Activation of tissue necrosis factor (TNF) causes increased apoptosis of amniotic epithelial cells and PROM.
Describe the pathophysiology of HPA axis activation causing premature uterine contractions.
Inc ACTH –> inc cortisol –> inc corticotropin releasing hormone –> activation of PGs –> PGs cause cervical ripening and rupture of membranes.
What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and how does it impact pregnancy?
EDS is a genetic disorder causing weakened connective tissue s/p impaired collagen formation. EDS causes cervical incompetence increasing risk for premature or precipitous labor. Also increased risk for fetal injuries and maternal bleeding during labor.
Define cervical insufficiency.
Inability of the cervix to retain a pregnancy without uterine contractions –> aka cervical ripening that occurs far from term. Rarely occurs in isolation. More commonly part of a complex preterm syndrome.
List common congenital and acquired causes of cervical insufficiency.
Con: EDS and other collagen disorders, uterine anomalies, in utero diethylstilbestrol (synthetic estrogen) exposure
Acq: Cervical trauma, rapid mechanical dilation, treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasm
What is the common presentation of cervical insufficiency and how is diagnosis commonly made?
S/S: asymptomatic or pelvic pressure, vaginal discharge, and mild uterine contractions. Pelvis in late pres is soft, effaced, and dilated with prolapsed or ruptured membranes.
Dx: Usually dependent on recurrent mid-trimester loss, risk factors, and transvaginal US measurement showing shortened cervical length.
How is cervical insufficiency managed?
Patients with Hx of cervical insufficiency should have cerclage (single stitch to keep cervix closed) at 12-14 weeks gestation. Patients should also be educated to avoid coitus during pregnancy.
What measurement of the cervix is diagnostic for cervical insufficiency and what measurement is normal?
Lentgth < 25mm on transvaginal US is diagnostic
Normal length is 40mm
What is the definition of low birth weight?
< 2500g
List risk factors for low birth weight.
PROM, chorioamnionitis, multiple gestations, uterine anomalies, pre-pregnancy weight < 50kg, Hx of pre-term delivery, abruption, infections, intra-abdominal disease/surgery, low socioeconomic status, smoking, cocaine.
Describe general management strategies for treatment of pre-term labor.
Bed rest, hydration, Abx if infection, Steroids for fetal lung maturity, tocolytics, cerclage.
How does maternal hydration status affect labor?
ADH is similar to oxytocin and will cause contractions. Dehydration = inc ADH = inc contractions.
Which steroid is used to decrease fetal respiratory distress syndrome in pre-term labor?
Betamethasone (celestone)
Which medications are used as tocolytics (decrease uterine contractions) during pre-term labor? HINT: Acronym “It’s Not My Time”
I: Indomethacin (inhibits PGs)
N: Nifedipine (CCB inhibits Ca entry into cells)
M: Magnesium Sulfate (acts as Ca antagonist)
T: Terbutaline
What are the AEs associated with magnesium sulfate?
flushing, HA, fatigue, diplopia, N/V, muscle weakness, decrease DTRs
What is a toxic level of magnesium sulfate and what results at toxic levels? What is the therapeutic serum level?
> 10 mg/dl can cause respiratory depression, hypoxia, and cardiac arrest
Therapeutic range = 4.2 - 8.4 mg/dl
What is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity?
Calcium gluconate
What is the dosing for magnesium sulfate in the management of pre-term labor?
6g bolus over 15-30 min followed by 2-3 g/hr infusion
What is the black box warning for terbutaline?
may cause maternal cardiac events and death s/p tachycardia, hyperGLC, hypoK, pulmonary edema.
What is administered to patients with risk factors to reduce rate of pre-term labor/death?
Weekly injections of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caporate from 16 - 36 weeks.
Define PROM.
Premature Rupture Of Membranes –> rupture prior to onset of labor or regular uterine contractions.
What are the major complication risks of PROM?
infection and cord prolapse
What combination of S/S is considered diagnostic for PROM?
Sudden gush of clear or pale yellow fluuid after 38 weeks and pooling of amniotic fluid in vaginal formix.