Pregnancy Flashcards
Abruptio placentae presentation
- sudden onset vaginal bleeding
- contracted uterus
- painful
- 20% without bleeding (trapped between placenta and uterine wall)
- severe cases lead to hemorrhage and loss of life.
High risk for abruptio placentae
- HTN
- preeclampsia
- cocaine use
- history of abruptio placentae
Placenta previa complaints
- new onset painless vaginal bleeding
- worsened by intercourse
Placenta previa presentation
- uterus soft and nontender
- if cervix not dilated –> strict bed rest
What is administered if there is cramping with placenta previa
IV mag
Placenta previa and vaginal insertion
anything in vagina is absolute contraindication
Preeclampsia presentation
- sudden onset of severe recurrent headaches
- visual abnormalities
- pitting edema (face, eyes, fingers)
- sudden rapid weight gain
- new onset RUQ pain
- BP >140/90
- urine protein >+1
- decrease in urine output (oliguric)
- N/V –> encephalopathy
Earliest time period that preeclampsia/eclampsia can occur
20 weeks
Cure for preeclampsia/eclampsia
delivery of baby
HELLP stands for
Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, Low Platelets
What is HELLP
serious but rare complication of preecmplsia/eclampsia
HELLP presentation
- s/sx if preeclampsia with RUQ pain
- labs: elevated LFTs, elevated bilirubin, elevated LDH
- low platelets and Hgb/Hct
Which lab value is expected to increase in pregnancy
- alk phos
- WBCs
- ESR
- Total T3
Why is alk phos elevated in pregnancy
- due to growth of fetal bones
- higher in multiple gestation pregnancies
Why are WBC’s elevated in pregnancy
- leukocytosis with neutrophilia normal if without s/sx of infection
- high throughout pregnancy
When is ESR elevated in pregnancy
-elevated by 3rd trimester
Why is total T3 elevated in pregnancy
- increased levels of thyroid binding globulin
- TSH, free T3, free T4 should remain unchanged
Which lab value is expected to decrease in pregnancy
-Hgb and Hct
Why is Hgb and Hct low in pregnancy
- hemodilution
- to rule out IDA, check MCV
Where is serum AFP produced
- liver of fetus and mother
- majority of maternal AFP comes from fetus
What does low AFP indicate
- possible DS
- order triple screen or quad screen
What is the triple screen
- AFP
- hCG
- estriol
What is the quad screen
- AFP
- hCG
- estriol
- inhibin-A
What does high AFP indicate
- rule out neural tube defects or multiple gestation
- most common reason is pregnancy dating error
- Order triple/quad screen and US to r/o NTD
Prevention of NTD
- folic acid 400 mg per day
- take prenatals when planning on getting pregnant
Gold standard for testing genetic disorders
fetal chromosomes/DNA
Which genetic disorder is most common among Jewish descent
- Tay-Sachs disease
- no cure
Which genetic disorder is most common among whites
cystic fibrosis
Which genetic disorder is most common among AA
sickle cell anemia
When can CVS be done
10-12 weeks
When can amniocentesis be done
15-18 weeks
When is “doubling time” of hCG not used
after 12 weeks
Normal hCG levels
-hCG doubles every 48 hours during first 12 weeks
Ectopic pregnancy and hCG
- hCG lower than normal
- increases slowly and does not double as expected
Inevitable abortion and hCG
- hCG decreases rapidly, no doubling
- cervix dilates
When is GBS tested
- 35-37 weeks
- swab vaginal introitus and rectum for C&S
What to do if GBS is positive
- intrapartum abx prophylaxis of PCN G 5 million units IV
- followed by 2.5-3 million units IV every 4 hours until delivery
Which STD’s to test for
- HBsAg
- HIV
- gonorrhea
- chlamydia
- syphilis
- HSV 1 and 2
Which titers to test for
- rubella
- varicella
Category A drugs
- prenatal vitamins
- Insulin
- Thyroid hormone
Category B drugs
- antacids
- colace (stool softener, laxatives should not be used)
- analgesics (acetaminophen preferred)
Category B antibiotics
- PCN
- cephalosporins
- Macrolides
Safest antidepressant to use with pregnant women
-Sertraline (Zoloft)
Antihypertensives for pregnant women
- Methyldopa
- CCB (Procardia)
- Labetalol (Normodyne)
Which antibiotics are safe for pregnant women
- Amoxicillin,
- other PCN
- cephalopsorins
NSAID’s and pregnancy
- avoid in third trimester; blocks prostaglandins
- either B or C depending on type of NSAID and which trimester
- Can cause premature labor
Category D drugs
- ACEI, ARB
- FQs
- Tetracyclines
- NSAIDs
- Sulfa drugs
Why are ACEI/ARBs contraindicated in pregnancy
- fetal renal abnormalities
- renal failure
- hypotension
Why are FQs C/I
- fetal cartilage development
- C/I pregnant, lactating, or <18 years old
Why are tetracyclines C/I
-stains growing tooth enamel
Why are sulfa drugs C/I
- risk of hyperbilirubinemia
- displaces bilirubin from albumin
Which vaccines are C/I in pregnancy
- MMR
- oral polio
- Varicella
- FluMist
What to do if patient received live vaccine and wants to become pregnant
-advise not to get pregnant in next 4 weeks with MMR or 3 months with varicella and shingles
Is chronic hyperglycemia considered a teratogen
Yes
-increases risks of NTD and craniofacial defects
What foods to avoid during pregnancy
- soft cheeses (blue cheese, brie)
- uncooked meats
- raw milk
- raw shellfish or oysters
- cold cuts, uncooked hot dogs
Are hot tubs okay to use during pregnancy
No
-avoid hot tubs, saunas, or excessive heat
Is coffee okay during pregnancy
- 8 oz/day is okay
- do not consume too much – premature labor
Normal weight gain for normal weight patients
-total of 25-35 lbs
Weight gain for underweight patients
-total 28-40 lbs
Weight gain for obese patients
-11-20 lbs
Expected weight loss after delivery
-15-20 lbs in first few weeks
Palpation of fetus by HCP
positive sign of pregnancy
US and visualization of fetus
positive sign of pregnancy
Fetal heart tones auscultated
positive sign of pregnancy
What method is used to detect FHT in 10-12 weeks
Doppler
What method is used to detect FHT in 20 weeks
fetoscope/stethoscope
Goodell’s sign
Probable sign
- cervical softening
- 4 weeks
Chadwick’s sign
- probably sign
- blue coloration of cervix and vagina
- 6-8 weeks
Hegar’s sign
- probable sign
- softening uterine isthmus
- 6-8 weeks
Enlarged uterus
probably sign
Ballottement
- probable sign
- when fetus is pushed, it can be felt to bounce back by tapping the palpating fingers inside the vagina