Puerperium

Question 1

What are the major causes of maternal death?

Answer 1

1. Haemorrhage
2. Thrombo-embolism
3. Puerperal sepsis

Question 2

What is the definition of maternal death?

Answer 2

Death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of delivery/termination from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy

Question 3

What is a direct maternal death?

Answer 3

Death resulting from obstetric complications of the pregnant state (e.g. haemorrhage)

Question 4

What is an indirect maternal death?

Answer 4

Deaths resulting from a pre-existent disease or disease developed from pregnancy (e.g. cardiac disease, cancer, suicide)

Question 5

What is a common organism that causes puerperal sepsis?

Answer 5

Group A strep

Question 6

What antibiotics are used to treat intrapartum vs postpartum fever?

Answer 6

Intrapartum → benzylpenicillin/gentamicin/metronidazole

Postpartum → co-amoxiclav/gentamicin