Pregnancy Complications: Risk Factors, Signs & Symptoms, and When to Refer Flashcards
What are common metabolic complications during pregnancy?
Hypertensive disorders (gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia), gestational diabetes, liver diseases (HELLP syndrome, AFLP, cholestasis of pregnancy).
What are risk factors for preeclampsia?
First pregnancy, history of preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, multiple gestation.
What are key symptoms of preeclampsia?
Hypertension, proteinuria, headache, visual disturbances, edema, right upper quadrant pain.
When should a patient with suspected preeclampsia be referred?
Immediately if there are severe features (BP ≥160/110, end-organ damage, eclampsia, HELLP syndrome).
What are hemorrhagic complications of pregnancy?
Placenta previa, placental abruption, uterine rupture, fetomaternal hemorrhage.
What are risk factors for placenta previa?
Previous C-section, multiple gestation, smoking, prior placenta previa.
What are signs of placenta previa?
Painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester.
When should placenta previa be referred to a specialist?
If active bleeding occurs or if placenta previa persists into the third trimester.
What are symptoms of placental abruption?
Sudden-onset painful vaginal bleeding, uterine tenderness, fetal distress.
What are infectious complications during pregnancy?
Chorioamnionitis, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections.
When should a patient with suspected chorioamnionitis be referred?
Immediately for IV antibiotics and possible delivery if maternal or fetal distress is present.
What are risk factors for preterm labor?
Previous preterm birth, multiple gestation, infections, cervical insufficiency, uterine anomalies.
What are signs of cervical insufficiency?
Painless cervical dilation, increased vaginal discharge, second-trimester pregnancy loss.
What is the treatment for cervical insufficiency?
Cervical cerclage and progesterone supplementation.
What are pregnancy-associated liver conditions?
HELLP syndrome, acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).
When should HELLP syndrome be referred to a specialist?
Immediately, as urgent delivery may be required to prevent maternal and fetal complications.
What are symptoms of acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP)?
Nausea, vomiting, jaundice, hypoglycemia, coagulopathy.
What are symptoms of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)?
Intense pruritus (especially palms and soles), elevated bile acids, jaundice.
What are key signs of uterine rupture?
Sudden abdominal pain, loss of fetal station, abnormal fetal heart tracing, maternal hypotension.
When should a suspected uterine rupture be referred?
Immediately for emergency C-section.
What is the primary concern with maternal trauma during pregnancy?
Risk of placental abruption, fetal distress, uterine rupture.
What are signs of fetal distress in maternal trauma?
Decreased fetal movement, abnormal fetal heart rate, loss of fetal station.
When should a pregnant patient be referred for trauma evaluation?
If there is significant trauma, vaginal bleeding, or fetal distress.
