Pregnancy Diseases Flashcards
When are pregnancy problems most common?
First trimester
1-12 weeks
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
This is where the zygote gets stuck somewhere other than the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube
What are the risk factors for ectopic pregnancy? (Three)
Previous chalmydia infection
Mirena in situ
Previous ectopic
What would be the common presentation for an ectopic?
Severe pain in location of ectopic
What would you find on examination of a potential ectopic?
- Cervical excitation and adnexal tenderness
- Blood on cusco speculum
- Abdominal guarding
- Shock ?Bleeding
Why may a patient be in shock with an ectopic pregnancy?
Because they may be bleeding out into the abdomen
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
What are the investigations for a potential ectopic?
FBC and group and save
US if stable
HCG to check pregnancy
What is the conservative management for an ectopic and when is this appropriate?
Watch and wait. This is uncommon but is appropriate if the HCG is falling
What is the medical management for an ectopic?
Methotrexate
What is the surgical management for an ectopic?
Laparoscopy or laparotomy to remove the ectopic +/- fallopian tube
What is a molar pregnancy and what are the risks?
This is a genetic disorder where the placent develops abnormally and the HCG levels are huge.
It can develop into a choriocarcinoma
What is important to monitor after the removal of the placenta for a molar pregnancy and why??
HCG levels
?Mets
What is hyperemesis gravidarum
Excessive sickness with a risk of dehydration during pregnancy
What are the common causes of a miscarriage?
Chromosomal abnormality
Cervical imcompetence
Why may you get a positive pregnancy test but an empty uterus? (Three reasons)
- Early pregnancy
- Recent miscarriage
- Ectopic
