Pregnancy

Question 1

After fertilisation and implantation, which hormones does the placenta produce?

Answer 1

Human placental lactogen
Placental progesterone
Placental oestrogen

Question 2

Outline the physiological mechanism behind gestational diabetes

Answer 2

Placental hormones cause insulin resistance in mother, causing high levels of glucose

Question 3

Which diabetic drugs are the only drugs permitted during pregnancy?

Answer 3

Metformin

Insulin

Question 4

Which blood pressure drugs are used in pregnancy?

Answer 4

Labetalol
Nifedipine
Methyldopa

Question 5

How does macrosomia (big baby) occur as a complication of gestational diabetes?

Answer 5

Mother’s high blood sugar transfers to baby across placenta; this causes the baby’s pancreas to produce more insulin, so more glucose is stored in the baby, resulting in a bigger baby

Question 6

What is the effect on children’s IQ if thyroxine (T4) is low?

Answer 6

Lower IQ

Question 7

What effect do oestrogens have on levels of thyroid-binding-globulin?

Answer 7

Increased levels of TBG

Question 8

Which harmone is measured in a pregnancy test?

Answer 8

HCG

Question 9

How should hypothyroidism be managed in pregancy?

Answer 9

Increase thryoxine by 25mcg at the start of pregnancy

Monthly TFTs

Question 10

How long clinically should post-partum thyroiditis last after birth, before it is called persistant hypothyroidism?

Answer 10

Up to 1 year