SPOPs Obstetrics Flashcards
3 Types of Placental Abruption
Marginal - an edge has detached
Central - centre has detached
Complete - whole placenta has detached
4 Primary Causes of PPH (4 Ts)
Tone - poor uterine tone (70%)
Trauma - tears of the vulva, vagina or cervix, or uterine rupture (20%)
Tissue - retained products (10%)
Thrombin - coagulopathy disorders (1%)
9 Stages of the Golden Hour
(4th Stage of Labour)
birth cry
relax
awake
activity
rest
crawling
(finding boob)
familirisation
sucking
sleeping
Active Management of Third Stage of Labour
(preferred)
skin to skin with mother
rapid assessment of bleeding with delivery
1 min APGAR
warming of baby
consent of mother for oxytocin
administer oxytocin
clamping and cutting the cord
early application of SPO2 monitor
5 min APGAR
Continued observation of bleeding and mother
After initial assessment, if newborn is crying and breathing…
Immediate skin to skin contact with mother (increases oxytocin production)
Immediately warm and baby with blanket and beanie
APGAR 1 minute and 5 minutes after delivery
All Fours Running Start Position Procedure
Flip into Gaskins
Lift leg for runing start
rotate foetus to oblique
remove posterior arm
Antepartum Haemorrhage (APH)
Any bleeding from the genital tract after 20 weeks of pregnancy and before labour onset
affects approx 2-5% of all pregnancies
Primary causes are placenta abruption (30%) and placenta praevia (20%)
Any APH needs to be taken seriously as a potential time critical situation
APGAR Activity Scoring
Active movement - 2
Arms, legs flexed - 1
No movement - 0
APGAR Appearance Scoring
Pink - 2
Blue extremities - 1
Pale or blue - 0
APGAR Grimace Scoring
Cries and pulls away - 2
Grimaces or weak cry - 1
No response to stimulation - 0
APGAR Pulse Scoring
> 100 bpm - 2
< 100 bpm - 1
No pulse - 0
APGAR Respiration Scoring
Strong cry - 2
Slow, irregular - 1
No breathing - 0
Benefits of Delayed Cord Clamping
Increase in blood volume of 80-100 mls and up to 300mls
Optimum iron scores at birth and higher scores at 3-6 months
Supports transition from fetal to neonatal circulation
Less risk of brain haemorrhage and ischeamic gut premature babies
Reduced risk of anaemia
Optimum transfer of antibodies and stem cells, boosting immunity
Birth of the Head Procedure
pant and small pushes with contractions as the baby’s head delivers
to control birth of the head, place flats of fingers against baby’s head to keep it flexed and prevent explosive delivery
once baby’s head delivers and mother ceases pushing, encourage mother to continue pushing with each contraction to deliver the shoulders
allow the baby’s head to turn spontaneously
Birth of the Shoulders and Body Procedure
Place a hand on each side of the fetal head
Wait for the next contraction and ask the mother to push gently with the next contraction
Apply slight downward traction to deliver anterior shoulder
Provide slight upward traction to deliver the posterior shoulder
Make sure you have a good grip and support on baby throughout the delivery
Blood Flow Through the Foramen Ovale
2/3 blood volume goes from RA to LA then to LV then to aorta
1/3 foetal blood goes to RV
Braxton Hicks Signs and Symptoms
feels like tightening or very mild cramping
no regular pattern
goes away with rest, hydration, position changes, and time
do not feel stronger over time
localized in the lower abdomen and groin
Breech Delivery Complications
Foetal distress/hypoxia
Failure to deliver
Pain
Prolapsed cord
Shoulder dystocia
Head entrapment
Meconium aspiration
PPH
Soft tissue injuries
Foetal Spleen/liver damage
(premature inspiration before head birthed)
Breech Delivery Occurance
3-4% of term deliveries
common before 35 - 36 weeks gestation
more common in nulliparous women
Breech Delivery Procedure
rapid recognition and call for backup
Prepare early for neonatal resuscitation
Hands off - Delivery should proceed spontaneously through gravity, maternal effort and uterine action
perform manoeuvres if complications or failure to deliver
Breech Delivery Risk Factors
Multiparity
Uterine malformations
Fibroids
Placenta Praevia
Prematurity
Macrosomia
Twin pregnancy
What is breech delivery?
the foetus in the longitudinal lie with the buttocks or lower extremity entering the pelvis first
Clamp and Cutting of Umbilical Cord
one-third of baby’s circulating blood contained within the placenta and umbilical cord
blood contains essential nutrients and stem cells
wait 3-5 minutes after birth or until cord has stopped pulsating
It will appear drained, limp and white in colour once stopped pulsating
Classification of Miscarriage
missed
threatened
inevitable
incomplete
complete
Complete Miscarriage
vaginal bleeding
closed cervical os
products of conception completely expelled
Complications of cord prolapse
hypoxia
asphyxiation
death
Confirming Shoulder Dystocia
baby is not delivered on the next contraction
appropriate traction fails to assist
process of delivery of the shoulders takes longer than 60 seconds.
Cord Prolapse Risk Factors
Fetal mal-presentation (breech, transverse, oblique and unstable lie)
Multiparity
Low birth weight (<2.5 kg)
Pre-term labour (<37/40)
Long umbilical cord
Unengaged presenting part
Low-lying placenta
Cord Prolapse Tx
If cord is pulsating - modified SIMS, get pt to attempt to place cord back in vagina
If cord not pulsating - knees to chest position, attempts made to push the presenting part off the cord
rapid transport
Current Pregnancy Hx Questions
Confirmation of pregnancy (intrauterine)
Gestation of pregnancy (how many weeks)
Singleton or multiple pregnancy
Antenatal care – scans, bloods etc
Any complications or concerns THIS pregnancy
Foetal movements
Degrees of Uterine Inversion
1st Degree
2nd Degree (incomplete) - funus reaches cervix
3rd degree (complete) - fundus passes through the cervix, but does not reach the vaginal opening
4th degree (prolapse) - fundus extends through the vaginal opening
What are the manoeuvres to deliver arms in breech delivery?
Loveset’s 1 Manouevre
Loveset’s 2 Manouevre
Loveset’s 3 Manouevre
Delivery of Legs in Breech Birth If Not Delivered Spontaneously
deliver one leg at a time
push behind knee to bend leg
grasp the ankle and deliver foot and leg
repeat for other leg
hold baby’s hip with thumbs on bums
Delivery of the Buttocks and Legs
tell mum she can push with contractions
let buttocks deliver until lower back and shoulders can be seen
gently hold buttocks in one hand (do not pull)
Delivery of the Placenta
assist mother to birth the placenta by her own efforts
encourage upright position, bearing down to expel the placenta OR
guard the uterus by placing one hand supra-pubically and apply steady controlled cord traction until the placenta is visible
support the birth of the placenta and membranes by gently twising to strengthen the placenta and limit the chance of retained products
do not apply increased traction if any resistanc is felt
place into clinical waste bag and take to hospital
Descent of the Placenta
After separation, the placenta moves down the birth canal and through the dilated cervix
Early Pregnancy PV Bleeding
20-40% will experience bleeding during first trimester
most bleeding in early pregnancy is benign and can be related to implantation
more sinister causes such as miscarriage (10–20% of clinical pregnancies) and ectopic pregnancy (1–2%) cannot be ruled out in the pre-hospital environment
Eclampsia
new onset of grand mal seizure activity and/or unexplained coma during pregnancy or post partum in a woman with signs or symptoms of preeclampsia
Eclampsia Management
Depending on the severity and gestation of the baby delivery may be considered
Manage symptomatically and take BP’s on every obstetric patient.
Eclampsia Risk Factors
Prior preeclampsia
Multiparity
Hypertension
Pre-existing diabetes
BMI >30
Pre-existing kidney disease
Ectopic Pregnancy
fertilised ovum implants at a site other than the endometrial lining of the uterus
most commonly in the fallopian tube
Estimated to occur in 1-2% of all pregnancies
as the embryo continues to grow it will rupture around 5-7 weeks when the fallopian tube cannot stretch to accommodate the growth
a ruptured ectopic pregnancy is a true obstetric emergency
95% in the fallopian tube but can also be seen in the ovary and abdominal cavity
Ectopic Pregnancy Management
treat symptoms
if ruptured - Pt has uncontolled haemorage so monitor fluids
consider analgesia
antiemetic
IV fluid
transport
If shocked - manage as per CPG: hypovalemic shock
3 objectives of shoulder dystocia emergency manoeuvres
Increase the functional size of the bony pelvis
Change the relationship of the bisoacromial diameter within the bony pelvis by rotating the foetus into the wider oblique diameter
Decrease the bisacromial diameter of the foetus
Expected SPO2 Values After Birth
1 minute - 68%
3 minutes - 1%
6 minutes - 94%
10 minutes - 97%
Expulsion of the placenta
The placenta is completely expelled from the birth canal
end of the third stage of labour
the muscles of the uterus continue to contract and compress the torn blood vessels to combine with blood clotting stops the postpartum bleeding
First Line External Manoeuvres for Shoulder Dystocia
McRoberts Manoeuvre
Supra-pubic pressure
(combine with McRoberts)
Gaskins Manoeuvre
(reposition to all fours)
First stage of labour established (active) phase process
When cervix dilates to at least 4cm
Regular contractions continue to dilate the cervix
3-4 contractions in 10minute period
Contractions longer in length, more intense
(oxytocin)
Mum more internally focused
(can’t talk - need to concentrate on body)
First stage of labour latent phase process
Begins when the cervix starts to soften up and thin out (effacement and dilation)
can last for hours/days
Minor discomfort and niggles
No regularity at this point
tends to be longer in the first pregnancy (6-10 hours to days)
First stage of labour transition phase:
Cervix dilates from 7-8cm through till 10cm
Contractions most powerful and intense
spontaneously releases noradrenaline triggering expulsive contractions
often the crisis point for a labouring woman
(feels out of control, can’t go on etc - triggered by noradrenaline)
Contractions at their longest (60-70 seconds), strongest and closest together (<2 minutes)
First Trimester
1st day of last menstrual period
cessation of menses
find out pregnant around 4-5 week mark after last menstrual period (LMP)
HCG building up and beginning to cause symptoms of:
breast changes
nausea and vomiting
fatigue
Foetal circulatory systems uses shunts for…
to direct blood that needs to be oxygenated
bypasses liver and lungs which are not fully developed
Foetal Complications of Shoulder Dystocia
brachial plexus injury (4-40%)
humerous and clavicle fractures (10%)
hypoxic brain injury (0.5-23%)
foetal death (0.4%)
Foetal Development First Trimester
Weeks 10-12
end of week 10 embryo is now called a foetus
arms and legs grow longer and start to move
face becomes well-formed
baby is 3 inches long
Foetal Development First Trimester
Weeks 1 - 2
not acutally pregnant - calculation date
body preparing for pregnancy
fertilisation occurs around 2 week mark
Foetal Development First Trimester
Weeks 3-4
Zygote divides to form a blastocyst ( hollow ball of cells)
cells arrange into 2 groups (inner - baby, outer - tissues to nourish and protect baby)
blastocyst moves into the uterus and hatches through the outer layer
inner layer implants into the uterine wall
water-tight sac forms around the embryo gradually filling with amniotic fluid to cushion growing embryo
Foetal Development First Trimester
Weeks 5-6
Embryonic period
Major organs start to grow (brain, spinal cord, heart)
heart begins to beat
placenta starts providing nutrients
bones and muscles begin to grow
embryo starts to look more human
Foetal Development Second Trimester
hair beginning to form
nervous system is starting to function
baby beginning to swallow and takes in small gulps of amniotic fluid
genitalia fully developed
fingers and toes are well developed
lanugo and vernix covering baby
baby is now moving freely and developing muscles
Foetal Development Third Trimester
foetus can now see and hear
all systems continue to mature
covered in vernix
fatten up
skull bones stay soft to make it easier to pass through birth canal
Foetal manoeuvring during labour
anteriposterior plane into the transverse plane
Fourth Stage of Labour
Beginning of the post partum period and the first hour after birth
The ‘golden hour’ where the female body stabilises and the baby is adjusting to life outside the womb
The tone of the uterus is re-established as the uterus contracts again assisting to expel any remaining contents
Encourage skin-to-skin contact and bonding
Encourage breast feeding
Gaskins Manoeuvre Procedure
reposition Pt to all fours
(can be time consuming and difficult)
GDM Management
50% require insulin
Oral hypoglycemics often used in conjunction with insulin if necessary
diet, lifestyle and regular glucose monitoring
GDM Risk Factors
Obesity
Family history
Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander
Previous GDM
Maternal age >25 years
Gestational Diabetes
Defined as any degree of glucose intolerance with first recognition during pregnancy
affects 8-10% of pregnancies in Australia
50% will require treatment with insulin
mostly asymptomatic and diagnosed during routine GTT test between 24-28 weeks
generally self resolves once the pregnancy is completed, although 50% will develop TD2M in later life
Gestational Diabetes (GDM) Pathophysiology
pregnancy hormones affect the body’s uptake of glucose
Oestrogen and human placental lactogen can block insulin and/or make it less effective from being utilised by the cells (insulin resistance)
Usually begins around 20-24 weeks
pancreas does not make enough insulin to overcome the insulin resistance
Gestational Hypertension
Development of hypertension in the second half of pregnancy without other effects on kidneys or other organs
Gravida
number of pregnancies
Gravidity and Parity: 3 previous births and currently pregnant
G4 P3
Gravidity and Parity:
3 previous births and currently pregnant
G4 P3
Gravidity and Parity: currently pregnant and has previously delivered twins at term
G2 P1
Gravidity and Parity:
currently pregnant and has previously delivered twins at term
G2 P1
Gravidity and Parity: currently pregnant, has a 3 year old and has previously miscarried at 8 weeks
G3 P1
Gravidity and Parity:
currently pregnant, has a 3 year old and has previously miscarried at 8 weeks
G3 P1
Gravidity and Parity: first time pregnancy
G1 P0
Gravidity and Parity:
first time pregnancy
G1 P0
Gravidity and Parity:
Patient is not pregnant, had one previous delivery
G1:P1
Gravidity and Parity:A woman who has 2 living children and is currently pregnant
G3:P2
Gravidity and Parity Patient is currently pregnant and has had twins delivered in the previous pregnancy
G2:P1
Gravidity and Parity:
Patient is currently pregnant and has had twins delivered in the previous pregnancy
G2:P1
Gravidity and Parity Patient is currently pregnant, had one previous miscarriage and one previous delivery
G3:P1
HELLP Presentation
non-specific symptoms
general malaise
fatigue
right upper quadrant or epigastric pain
nausea and/or vomiting
jaundice
visual disturbance
HELLP Syndrome
rare, life-threatening liver disorder thought to be a type of severe preeclampsia
characterized by:
Haemolysis (destruction of RBC’s)
Elevated liver enzymes
Low platelet count
Occurs in the later part of pregnancy and sometimes after birth
Not all woman who develop preeclampsia develop HELLP
Hyperemesis Gravidarum Management
Positioning
Anti-emetic
IV fluids
Glucose (If hypoglycemic)
Emotional support and care
Hyperemesis Gravidarum Signs and Symptoms
Weight loss
dehydration
constipation
headache/migraines
food aversions
excessive salivation
exhaustion
low BP
tachycardic
dizziness
syncopal
How do we do tactile stimulation?
Using a soft towel place hands either side of newborn’s trunk and utilise a brief rubbing motion for a period of no more than 10 seconds
How do we assess HR in a newborn?
Determined via auscultation (prefered) or palpation of the umbilical cord if it is still pulsating
How long should shoulder dystocia manouvres be attempted for before moving on to next manoeuvre?
30 seconds
How much blood loss after delivery is normal?
<500 mL
How to Actively Control Newborn’s Temperature
Consider warm environment
Consider placing newborn into a plastic bag with head exposed
Use external heat sources to warm environment
How to Do Fundal Massage
Place one hand just above pubic symphysis and the other hand at the top of the fundas. With the top hand gentle massage in a circular motion until it firms up
Neonate Suctioning Notes
wipe face and nose area first
if suctioning required, suction mouth before nose with head in neutral position
Hx taking prior to delivery
Confirm gestation
How far apart are contractions? Length? Transport?
Where is the pain?
Have your membranes ruptured? If so, details.
How many babies? Chance of twins?
Antenatal care?
Complications so far? Previous pregnancies?
Head engaged? Normal cephalic or breech?
Parity / Gravidity?
If newborn’s HR is <60 bpm after 30 seconds of resuscitation…
Rapidly clamp and cut cord and move newborn to a flat, hard surface away from mum
Commence CPR at a rate of 3:1
(90 compressions:30 ventilations per minute)
Apply defibrillator pads
If newborn’s HR is >100 bpm after 30 seconds of resuscitation…
Manage as per normal cephalic delivery
Wrap and keep the newborn warm and encourage skin to skin contact
Ensure continued close management of newborn – HR, tone, breathing
If HR >100bpm but has central cyanosis at 10 minutes post birth commence oxygen 2 L/pm through nasal prongs until centrally pink
If newborn’s HR is between 60-100 bpm after 30 seconds of resuscitation…
Continue IPPV with supplementary O2 at 15 L/min
REASSESS after every 30 seconds and manage appropriately depending on HR range
If PPH not controlled…
Manage the cause(s) of the haemorrhage (4T’s)
prioritise interventions according to the likely aetiology and if possible should be performed simultaneously by different members of the paramedic team
If providing CPR to a newborn, when do we cut the cord?
When the heart rate is less than 60 bpm
If tactile stimulation and/or suctioning isn’t effective, immediately assess the newborn’s…
TONE – ability to flex and move limbs - floppy newborn with poor tone is more likely to need active resuscitation
BREATHING – crying and breathing? May initially pause breathing and then establish regular breaths. Chest recession or retraction, expiratory grunting and nasal flaring may indicate respiratory distress.
HEART RATE – should be 130bpm (110-160 range), anything above 100 initially acceptable
Implication of Immature Cilia in the Airways
poor secretion (bacteria and bugs) clearance
Incomplete Miscarriage
vaginal bleeding and cramping
dilated cervical os
some products of conception expelled
Inevitable Miscarriage
vaginal bleeding and cramping
rupture of membranes
dilated cervical os
products of cenception may seen or felt at or above cervical os
nothing can be done - make feel comfortable
Initial Bradycardia (<100 bpm) Management
IPPV with ROOM AIR at a rate of 40-60/min
Reassess after 30 seconds
Manage the baby at this point in between mums legs with placenta still pulsating
Key Investigations First Trimester
Dating scan approx. 7 – 8 weeks to confirm intrauterine implantation
12-week nuchal translucency scan and blood test (extremely accurate non-invasive screening test to identify fetuses at risk of down syndrome and other chromosomal and structural abnormalities) optional
harmony blood test – DNA blood based screening test for abnormalities optional
Key Investigations Second Trimester
Morphology scan (18-22 weeks) - complex in-depth scan of entire foetus, position of placenta, umbilical cord, amniotic fluid around baby, uterus and cervix
Key Investigations Third Trimester
often no scans during this period
further ultrasound if any growth or position concerns
antenatal visits will increase closer to term
Labour Room Tips
keep labour room nice, dark and quiet to help with delivery
makes it safe calm and quiet to help with melatonin production
List some pertinent information that we need to gather from our antenatal hx taking
gravidity and parity
gestation
antenatal care
complications
foetal movements (regular and similar to normal?)
previous pregnancies
previous losses
Loveset’s 1 Manoeuvre Procedure
hold baby by hips and turn 180o keeping the back uppermost and applying downward traction so that the posterior arm becomes anterior
place one or two fingers on upper part of the arm and draw arm down over the chest as the elbow is flexed and sweeping hand over face
Loveset’s 2 Manouevre Procedure
to deliver second arm, rotate baby back 180o, keeping the back uppermost and applying downard traction
Loveset’s 3 Manoeuvre Procedure
hold and lift baby up by the ankles
move baby’s chest towards mums inner leg, posterior shoulder should deliver
free the hand and arm
lay baby back down by the ankles, anterior shoulder should deliver
macrosomia
big baby due to gestational diabetes
Management of PPROM and PROM
Term patients: proceed to delivery with prophylactic antibiotics
Pre-term: antibiotics, corticosteroids and expectant management
Management of PV Bleed
Treat symptomatically: You may need to manage:
Hypovoleamia
Pain
Nausea
Hypotension
Reassurance
Management of Uterine Rupture
Position to avoid aortocaval compression (left lateral)
If trauma related, manage as per trauma in pregnancy
If evidence of shock, manage as per hypovolaemic shock
IV access
Analgesia
Assist patient to attain position of comfort
Transport and pre-notify as appropriate
Maternal Complications of Shoulder Dystocia
PPH
vaginal lacerations and tears
uterine rupture
psychological trauma
McRoberts Manoeuvre Procedure
knees to nipples position
primary officer - hand on head with gentle downward traction
second officer - assist with movement and/or apply supra pubic pressure
What is miscarriage?
spontaneous loss ofpregnancy before 20 weeks gestation and/or foetal weight less than 400g
Approx 1 in 4 pregnancies will end in miscarriage before 10 weeks
Any PV bleeding in 1st and 2nd trimester should be considered a threatened or actual miscarriage until proven otherwise
Miscarriage Management
Reassurance and emotional support
Estimate blood loss on scene
Retain any products of conception
Consider:
IV access and fluid
Positioning
Pain relief
Antiemetic
Miscarriage Pt Presentation
abdominal pain
PV bleeding (may not)
nausea
vomiting
hypotensive
tachycardic
missed miscarriage
no vaginal bleeding
closed cervical os
no foetal cardiac activity or emply sac
usually found at scan
Morning Sickness Management
empathy and reassurance
antiemetic
postural positioning
IV fluid replacement
MSV (adapted Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit) Manoeuvre Procedure
lay baby face down with length of body over your hand am arm and place first and second fingers either side of the nose
flex the head
use other hand to hood the baby’s shoulders with index and ring fingers with middle finger on baby’s occiput
gently flex baby’s head towards chest until the hairline is visible
pull gently to deliver head
raise baby until mouth and nose are free
place baby on mum’s abdomen
Neonatal Resuscitation Guidelines
<20 weeks gestation Resuscitation is futile
>23 weeks Newborn considered viable
Some pre-term infants <20 weeks may show signs of life but resuscitation is futile
If there is any uncertainty resuscitation measures should be commenced
Newborn Care Immediately After Delivery
Clean the newborn’s mouth and nose of visible blood and mucous with a clean cloth
- If airway obstruction identified, gentle suction the mouth followed by nares
Thoroughly dry the newborn
Within first 30 seconds assess the newborn’s:
- Tone
- Breathing status
- HR
Newborn Chest Compressions
Compress over lower sternum
Two thumb technique
A half second pause after 3 compressions for ventilation
Newborn Ventilations
Head in neutral position
1 breath after every 3 compressions
Approx 30 breathes per minute
Non-Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms
Hx amenorrhoea (at least one missed period)
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Pelvic and/or abdominal pain
Nausea
Pre-syncopal symptoms