Pregnancy Complications Flashcards
What is a post-term pregnancy?
one that has extended to or beyond 42 weeks
What are maternal and neonatal complications of a post-term pregnancy?
Neonatal complications:
Reduced placental perfusion
Oligohydramnios
Maternal complications:
Increased rates of intervention including forceps and caesarean section
Increased rates of labour induction
When are women screened for anaemia in pregnancy?
At booking visit and at 28 weeks
What are the cut-offs for oral iron therapy in pregnancy?
1st: 110g/L
2nd/3rd: 105g/L
Postpartum: 100g/L
How is anaemia in pregnancy managed?
oral ferrous sulfate or ferrous fumarate - treatment should be continued for 3 months after iron deficiency is corrected to allow iron stores to be replenished
How should a suspected DVT be investigated?
Compression duplex ultrasound should be undertaken where there is clinical suspicion of DVT
How should a suspected PE be investigated?
ECG and CXR
Compression duplex ultrasound - if DVT found, start VTE treatment pathway and no further investigations needed
Decision to perform a V/Q or CTPA should be taken at a local level after discussion with the patient and radiologist
Can D-dimer be used in pregnancy for DVT?
No as it is often raised anyway
Compare CTPA to V/Q scanning in pregnancy
CTPA slightly increases the lifetime risk of maternal breast cancer - 13.6% rise
V/Q scanning carries a slightly increased risk of childhood cancer compared with CTPA
What is the most common liver disease of pregnancy?
Intrahepatic cholestasis - occurs in 1% of pregnancies in 3rd trimester
What are features of intrahepatic cholestasis?
pruritus, often in the palms and soles
no rash (although skin changes may be seen due to scratching)
raised bilirubin
How is intrahepatic cholestasis managed?
ursodeoxycholic acid is used for symptomatic relief
weekly liver function tests
women are typically induced at 37 weeks
What is a possible complication of intrahepatic cholestasis?
increased rate of stillbirth
not associated with increased maternal morbidity
What is acute fatty liver of pregnancy?
rare complication which may occur in the third trimester or the period immediately following delivery.
What are features of acute fatty liver of pregnancy?
abdominal pain
nausea & vomiting
headache
jaundice
hypoglycaemia
severe disease may result in pre-eclampsia