Post-partum Care & Emergency Obstetrics Flashcards
What do we call the first 6 wks following delivery?
The Peurperium
Who sees the mother during the Peurperium? [2]
Midwife for the 1st 9-10 days
Then Health Visitor
Go to GP for 6wk postnatal check
What do the midwife and health visitor do when seeing the new mum? [3]
Observe for signs of abnormal bleeding and infection (wound, breast or endometritis)
Debrief the events of the birth especially if there was an emergency CS
Also discussing family planning
What are the common and fairly normal problems in the Peurperium? [3]
- Feeding problems
- Bonding issues
- Social problems e.g. the partner, other children or financial
What are the major dangers to the mother in the Post-partum period? [5]
Post-Partum Haemorrhage VTE Sepsis Post-natal Hypertensive disorders Psychiatric Disorders
What are the types of PPH? How are they distinguished [2]
Primary - >500ml within 24hrs
Secondary = >500ml after 24 hrs to the 6wk boundary
What causes primary PPH? [4]
Tone - e.g. Atonic Uterus
Trauma - e.g. tears or ruptures
Tissue - Retained
Thrombin - e.g. can’t clot
What causes secondary PPH? [3]
Retained Tissue
Endometritis
Tears/trauma
How do we reduce risk of a VTE? [2]
How might a VTE present in the Peurperium [3]
A proper risk assessment and if necessary thromboprophylaxis
Presentation
- Unilateral Leg Swelling and/or pain
- SOB or Chest pain
- Unexplained Tachycardia
How can we test for a VTE? [3]
What test do we normally use that cannot be used in pregnant women - state why
ECG
Doppler US
CXR +/- VQ scan
D-dimer isn’t useful in pregnant or post-partum women because they’re already hypercoagulable
How do we treat a VTE in pregnancy? What VTE treatment is contraindicated pregnancy but can be given in breastfeeding
LMWH
Warfarin can be used when breastfeeding but not during pregnancy
Sepsis is the leading cause of direct maternal death in the UK, how do we test for it if suspicious? [4]
Blood Culture
MSSU
Wound Swab
Lower Vaginal Swab (LVS)
How do we manage a suspected case of post-partum sepsis? [4]
- Promopt IV abx
- Antipyretics
- IV fluids
- Refer to hospital
What are the major psych disorders in post-partum women? [3]
- Baby blues
- Postnatal Depression
- Peurperal Psychosis
What is the baby blues caused by?
Typical onset?
Natural history?
Hormonal changes cause the blues in many mothers 1-3 days PN.
Doesn’t affect function and doesn’t require treatment