Women's Flashcards
describe the hormonal changes in pregnancy
↑ acth = ↑ cortisol + aldosterone
↑ prolactin
↑ T3/4
↑ progesterone - to maintain pregnancy
↑oestrogen - produced by placenta
describe the resproductive system changes in pregnancy
uterus increase in size = hypertrophy/hyperplasia
cervical discharge
hypertrophy of vaginal muscles + vaginal discharge
describe the CVS changes in pregnancy
↑ blood volume
↑ plasma volume
↑ cardiac output/stroke volume/heart rate
↓ peripheral vasc resistance
↓ blood pressure in early/mid pregnancy
varicose veins
peripheral vasodilation = flushing/hot sweats
describe the respiratory changes in pregnancy
increase tidal volume
increase resp rate
describe the renal changes in pregnancy
↑ renal blood flow
↑ GFR
↑ aldosterone = ↑ Na/water retention
↑ protein excretion
LESS urea + creatinine
dilatation of ureters and collecting system = hydonephrosis
describe the haematological changes in pregnancy
↑ RBC
↑ iron/folate/B12/calcium requirements
↑ WBC
↑ ESR/d dimer
↑ ALP (secreted by placenta)
↓haemoglobin concentration
↓ clotting factors/fibrinogen
↓ haemocrit
↓ platelets
↓ albumin (loss thru kidneys)
describe the skin and hair changes in pregnancy
increase pigmentation due to ↑ melanocyte stimulating hormone = linea nigra and melasma
striae gravidarum
pruitus
spider naevi
palmar erythema
postpartum hair loss
describe the GI changes in pregnancy
delayed gastric emptying
cardiac sphincter relaxation (= heart burn)
reduced secretion of CCK from GB
increased risk of gallstones
dyspepsia
slower gut transit time
small bowel = increase nutrient uptake
large bowel = increased water absorption = constipation risk
what is an ovarian cyst and what is the main type
fluid filled sac
functional = common in premenopausal + fluctuate with hormones
= follicular cyst most common but not harmful
= corpus luteum cyst can cause pain/discomfort/delayed menstruation
describe 5 other types of ovarian cysts
- serous cystadenoma = benign
- mucinous cystadenoma = benign but can become huge
- endometrioma = endometriosis lumps of tissue = pain/disrupt ovulation
- dermoid cyst/germ cell tumour = benign, associated with torsion
- sex cord-stromal tumours = rare, can be malignant
what features suggest ovarian cyst malignancy
abdo bloating
reduced appetite
weight loss
urinary symptoms
pain
ascites/lymphadenopathy
describe the investigations and management for a simple/small ovarian cyst
blood test
USS
CT or MRI if unable to see on USS
laparoscopy and fine needle aspirate
premenopausal + simple cyst <5cm on USS = no further
rule out pregnancy + CA125 tumour marker
what is the tumour marker for ovarian cancer and what does a raised marker indicate
CA125
raised = not specific:
endometriosis
fibroids
adenomyosis
pelvic infection
liver disease
pregnancy
what is the risk of malignancy index
RMI = risk of malignant ovarian mass:
1. menopausal status
2. USS findings
3. CA125 level
describe the management for a larger ovarian cyst
5-7cm - refer to gynae and yearly USS
>7cm - MRI or surgical evaluation = laparoscopy/ovarian cystectoomy/oopherctomy
what are the complications of an ovarian cyst
= ACUTE ONSET PAIN
torsion
haemorrhage into the cyst
rupture = bleeding into peritoneum
what is Meig’s syndrome
triad:
1. ovarian fibroma (mass)
2. pleural effusion
3. ascites
= older women
= remove tumour to resolve effusion/ascites
what is early miscarriage vs late miscarriage
spontaneous termination of pregnancy
early = before 12 weeks
late = 12-24 weeks gestation
what is a missed miscarriage
fetus no longer alive but no symptoms
what is a threatened miscarriage
vaginal bleeding with closed cervix and alive foetus
what is an inevitable miscarriage
vaginal bleeding and open cervix (finger into internal os)
what is an incomplete miscarriage vs complete miscarriage
incomplete = retained products of conception remain in uterus = may need medical/surgical management for miscarriage
complete = full miscarriage, no products left in uterus
what is an anembryonic pregnancy
gestational sac present but no embryo
how is a miscarriage diagnosed
transvaginal USS
1. mean gestational sac diameter (should be >25mm before pole)
2. fetal pole and crown-rump length (should be >7mm before heartbeat)
3. fetal heartbeat = pregnancy considered viable
how is a miscarriage <6 weeks gestation managed
expectantly = allow natural course
repeat urine test 7-10 days
how is a miscarriage >6 weeks gestation managed
early pregnancy assessment unit = USS
1. expectant
2. medical = misoprostol = prostaglandin analogue
3. surgical = manual/electric vacuum aspiration
describe the medical management of miscarriage
misoprostol = prostaglandin analogue
softens cervix and stimualtes contracions
vaginal suppository/oral dose
SE of bleeding/nausea/vomiting/diarrhoea
what is the most common site of ectopic pregnancy
fallopian tubes
what are the risk factors for ectopic pregnancy
previous ectopic
previous PID
previous surgery to fallopian tube
coils
older age
smoking
how does ectopic pregnancy present
6-8 weeks
missed period
constant LIF/RIF pain
vaginal bleeding
lower abdo/pelvic pain
cervical motion tenderness
describe the findings on transvaginal USS of ectopic pregnancy
gestational sac in fallopian tube
mass moving separately to ovary
empty uterus
fluid in uterus
describe a pregnancy of unknown location
positive test but no evidence on USS
= monitor hCG:
should rise by >63% in 48hrs = normal pregnancy
rise <63% = ectopic
fall >50% = miscarriage
describe the management for ectopic pregnancy
- expectant - monitor
- medical = methotrexate
- surgical =laproscopic salpingectomy 1st line
laparoscopic salpingotomy may be used if increased risk of infertility = remove ectopic but fallopian tube remains
what is hyperemesis gravidarum
excessive vomiting with dehydration and ketosis
thought that higher hCG = more vomiting/nausea
start 4-7 weeks
worst 10-12 weeks
resolve 16-20
what is the diagnostic criteria for hyperemesis gravidarum
more than 5% weight loss
dehydration
electrolyte imbalance
describe the antiemetics used in pregnancy
- prochlorperazine (stemetil)
- cyclizine
- ondansetron
- metoclopramide
(ranitidine or omeprazole if bad reflux)
how is moderate/severe hyperemesis gravidarum managed
= unable to tolerate oral
= ketones present on dipstick
1. admit to hospital
2. IV/IM antiemetics
3. IV fluids
4. monitor U&E
5. thiamine supplements
6. thromboprophylaxis
what is menopause
retrospective diagnosis after no periods for 12 months = end of menstruation
average age 51 years
what is perimenopause
period leading up to menopause
irregular periods
mood swings
hot flushes
urogenital atrophy
women >45 years
describe the physiology of menopause
lack of ovarian follicular function
= oestrogen and progesterone LOW
= LH/FSH are HIGH due to absence of negative feedback
describe the symptoms of perimenopause
hot flushes
emotional instability
PMS symptoms
irregular periods
heavier/lighter perods
vaginal dryness/atrophy
reduced libido
what risks are associated with perimenopause
CVS/stroke
osteoporosis
pelvic organ prolapse
urinary incontinence
why is the progesterone depot injection unsuitable for women over 45 years old and when else is it CONTRAINDICATED
SE = weight gain and reduced mineral bone density
contraindicated in current breast cancer
describe the benefits of HRT
relief of menopause symptoms
bone mineral density protection
possible prevent long term morbidity
describe the risks of HRT
breast cancer
VTE - oral HRT increases risk
CVS disease - fine if started under 60y/o or monitored well
stroke - oral HRT increases risk
how should HRT be given in women with intact uterus
need progestogen to be given with oestrogen to protect endometrium from over-proliferating = neoplasm risk (oestrogen effect)
what is the difference between sequential and continuous combined form of HRT
oestrogen everyday
sequential = progesterone 12-14 days every 4 weeks = bleeding
continuous combined = progesterone every day = no bleeding
what is Tibolone
synthetic form of continuous combined HRT taken daily
how is HRT given in those without a uterus/ with a MIRENA in situ
mirena = already supplies progesterone
= no progesterone needed in combination with oestrogen
when is transdermal HRT given
malabsoprtion syndromes
need for steady absorption (epilepsy)
medical conditions
older women
increased risk of VTE
what is premature ovarian insufficiency POI
menopause <40 y/o
= hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism
= under-activity in gonads = lack of negative feedback on pituitary gland = excess of gonadotrophins
= ↑ FSH/LH
= low oestradiol
what are the causes of POI
idiopathic (50%)
iatrogenic - chemo/radio/surgery
autoimmune - associated coeliac, T1DM, adrenal insufficiency
genetic
infections - mumps/TB/CMV
how does POI present and how is it diagnosed
irregular/lack of menstrual periods
hot flushes
night sweats
vaginal dryness
diagnosis = symptoms + <40 y/o + persistently raised FSH
what conditions are women with POI at risk of
CVS disease
stroke
osteoporosis
cognitive impairment
dementia
parkinsons
how is POI managed
HRT until 51 y/o
traditional hrt OR combined OCP
* can still be fertile so contraception is needed*
describe some non hormonal treatments for menopause
CBT
SSRI antidepressants
antiepileptics
what are some contraindications for HRT
breast cancer current or past
known or suspected oestrogen-dependent cancer
undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
VTE previous or current
acute liver disease
pregnancy
thrombophilic disorder
what is the puerperium and what are the features
delivery of placenta to 6 weeks following birth
= return to prepregnant state
= intitiation/suppression lactation
= trasnition to parenthood
describe the prolactin response with breast feeding
baby suckles
prolatin secreted by ant. pit. goes to breasts
lactocytes produce milk
suppresses ovulation
more at night
describe the oxytocin reflex in breastfeeding
baby suckles
oxytocin secreted by post. pit. goes to breasts
myoepithelial cells contract to expel milk
helped by senses of baby
happens before and after feed
what is lactoferrin and what does it do
functional protein in breast milk
high colostrum earlier
regulates Fe absorpt
protects against bacteria/viruses/funghi
helps regulate bone marrow function
boost immune system
what are the signs of sepsis in a new mother
3 Ts with sugar
Temp <36 or >38
Tachycardia >90bpm
Tachypnoea >20
Hyperglycaemia >7.7mmol
WBC >12 or <4(x10^9)
what is adenomyosis and who is it more common in
endometrial tissue inside myometrium = muscle layer of uterus
10% of women
premenopausal women but older than endometriosis
previous uterine surgery
how does adenomyosis present
dysmenorrhoea
menorrhoea
dyspareunia (pain in intercourse)
fertility/pregnancy complications
examination = enlarged and tender uterus
how is adenomyosis diagnosed
transvaginal USS = 1st line
MRI/transabdo USS = alternate
GOLD STD = histological exam after hysterectomy but not always possible
how is adenomyosis managed
depends on sympt/age/pregnancy plans
same Tx as for menorrhagia
specialist options = GnRH to induce menopause or endometrial ablation or hysterectomy
what are some complications of adenomyosis
infertility
miscarriage
preterm birth/rupture of membranes
small for gestational age
postpartum haemorrhage
describe the different types of fibroids
intramural = within myometrium
subserosal = just below outer layer uterus = can fill abdo cavity
submucosal = below lining of uterus
pedunculated = on a stallk
a pregnant woman with history of fibroids presents with severe abdo pain and low grade fever - likely diagnosis?
red degeneration of fibroids
what is pelvic congestion syndrome
incompetence of pelvic vein valves
typical after pregnancy
occurs in 1 in 5 with varicose veins
what are the features of pelvic congestion syndrome
constant dull ache lower abdomen
worse after standing/prolonged standing or after intercourse
can cause interstitial cystitis
what is salpingitis, oophoritis and parametritis
salpingitis = inflammation of fallopian tubes
oophoritis = inflammation of ovaries
parametritis = inflammation of the parametrium (connective tissue around uterus)
what is a vault prolapse
hysterectomy = no uterus
top of vagina descends into vagina
what is a rectocele
defect of post. wall of vagina = rectum prolapse into vagina
= causes constipation and urinary retention
= can use fingers to temporarily fix
what is a cystocele
ant. vagina wall defect = bladder prolapse backwards into vagina
urethra prolapse also possible = urethrocele
what are some risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse
multiple vaginal deliveries
prolonged/traumatic delivery
advanced age an post menopause
obesity
chronic resp disease causing coughing
chronic constipation causing straining
describe the pregnancy trimesters
1st = conception to 12 weeks
2nd = 13-26 weeks
3rd = 27 weeks until birth
what is an USS used to assess in pregnancy
assess growth
liquor volume
umbilical artery doppler
= if abnormal then placenta is insufficient
what mneumonic is used for CTG interpretation
CTG = cardiotocography
Dr = define risk
C = contractions
Bra = baseline rate
V = variability
A = accelerations
D = decelerations (early/variable/late)
O = overall assessment
when is CTG used, when is it suspicious and when is it pathological
high risk pregnancies in hospital
suspicious = 1 non-reassuring feature
pathological = 2+ non reassuring feature or 1+ abnormal feature
what is the gold standard for fetal heart monitoring
fetal scalp ECG
when is the dating scan and what happens at it
10-13+6 weeks
gestational age calculated from crown rump length
multiple pregnancies identified
when is the anomaly scan
18-20+6 weeks
USS to identify anomalies e.g. heart conditions
what occurs at the routine antenatal appointments
symphysis-findal height measured from 24 weeks +
fetal presentation from 36+ wks
urine dip for protein for pre-eclampsia
BP for pre-eclampsia
urine for microscopy = asymptomatic bacteruria
what vaccines are offered to pregnant women
pertussis form 16 wks
influenza when available
live vaccines avoided
how does low lying placenta present and how is it diagnosed
antepartum bleeding
painless bleed
USS
what is intrauterine growth restriction
baby’s growth slows or ceases when in the uterus
part of wider group of small for gestational age fetusus (SGA)
applies to neonates born with features of malnutrition and IN UTERO growth restriction IRRESPECTIVE of birth weight percentile
what signs indicate IUGR
reduced amniotic fluid
abnormal doppler studies
reduced foetal movements
abnormal CTGs
how are low risk women monitored for IUGR
symphysis fundal height at every antenatal appt after 24 wks
plotted on a graph
SFH <10th centile = need serial growth scans with umbilical artery doppler
how are high risk women for SGA monitored
USS measuring:
estimated fetal weight +
abdominal circumference
= growth velocity
umbilical arterial pulsatility index
amniotic fluid volume
what is chorioamnionitis
infection of chorioamniotic membranes and amniotic fluid
= leading cause of maternal sepsis and can cause DEATH
occurs later in pregnancy/during labour
what constitutes a primary/secondary/minor/major PPH
primary = >500mls blood loss after birth of baby
secondary = >24hrs to 2 weeks after birth
minor = <1500mls lost and no shock
major = 1500ml + continuing to bleed OR shock
describe the management of post partum haemorrhage (8 steps)
- resus ABCDE
- lie flat, warm and calm
- 2 large bore cannulas
- bloods for FBC/U&E/clotting
- cross match 4 units
- warmed IV fluid and blood resus as needed
- oxygen regardless of sats
- fresh frozen plasma if clotting abnormalities/after 4 units
what is a secondary postpartum haemorrhage
bleeding occurs 24hrs to 12 week postpartum
likely due to retained products of conception or infection
USS/endocervical swab for infection
treat by surgery or antibiotics for infection
what is a postdural puncture headache and how does it present
accidental dural puncture during epidural
leakage of CFS and reduced pressure in fluid around brain
headache worse on sitting/standing
1-7 days after epidural
neck stiffness/photosensitivity
how is postdural puncture headache treated
lying flat
analgesia
epidural blood patch
what is the leading cause of maternal death up to 6 weeks after pregnancy in the UK
VTE
what is the leading cause of direct deaths 6wk- 1 year after end of pregnancy
maternal suicide
when is the risk of VTE highest
postpartum
name some of the VTE risk factors
smoking
parity over 3/multiple pregnancy
age over 35
bmi under 30
reduced mobility
preeclampsia
varicose veins
family history
thrombophilia
IVF pregnancy
when should VTE prophylaxis be started
28 weeks if 3 RFs
first trimester if 4+ RFs
continues until 6 wk postnatal
temporarily STOPPED in labour
what prophylaxis is given for VTE
LWMH
= enoxaparin
= dalteparin
= tinzaparin
name 2 forms of mechanical VTE prophylaxis
intermittent pneumatic compression
anti-embolic compression socks
how does VTE present
UNILATERAL
calf leg swelling
dilated veins
tender calf
oedema
colour changes
>3cm between calf diameter = significant
how does a PE present
SoB
cough +/- blood
pleuritic chest pain
hypoxia
tachypnoe/tachycardia
how is VTE diagnosed
doppler USS
suspected PE = CXR and ECG
CTPA = definitive diagnosis (higher risk mother)
VQ scan also can be used (higher risk foetus)
what is NOT used for investigation of VTE in pregnancy
D dimer
what are the Tx options for PE in pregnancy
unfractionated heparin
thrombolysis
surgical embolectomy
what is baby blues and when does it present
> 50% women affected
within 1st week post natal
mood swings
low mood
anxiety
irritable
tearful
= usually resolve within 2 weeks
what is postnatal depression and when does it present
1 in 10 women
peak 3 months postnatal
1. low mood
2. anhedonia (lack of pleasure in activities)
3. low energy
sympt for 2 weeks before diagnosis can be made
how is postnatal depression treated
mild = behavioural/therapy
moderate - antidepressants and CBT
severe = specialist psychiatry
what screening tool is used for postnatal depression
edinburgh postnatal depression scale
10 questions 30 points
>10 = suggests diagnosis
what is puerperal psychosis and when/how does it present
rare but severe
2-3 weeks postnatal
- delusions
- hallucinations
- depression
- mania
- confusion
how is puerperal psychosis treated
urgent assessment and input from specialist services
1. admit to mother and baby unit
2. CBT
3. antidepressants/antipsychotics/mood stabilisers
4. electroconvulsive therapy
how are pregnant women with existing mental health concerns managed
referred to perinatal mental health services for specialist input
continue on medications
plan for delivery
neonates monitored for neonatal abstinence syndrome
what is the difference between stress incontinence and urge incontinence
stress incontinence = weak pelvic floor and sphincter muscles
urge incontinence = overactivity of detrusor muscle
what is overflow incontinence
chronic urinary retention due to obstruction to the outflow of urine = overflow of urine = incontinence without urge to pass urine
can occur with neurological conditions (MS, diabetic neuropathy, spinal cord injury)
more common in men
what are the risk factors for urinary incontinence
increased age
post menopause
increase BMI
previous pregnancies/vaginal deliveries
pelvic organ prolapse
pelvic floor surgery
neuro conditions (MS)
cognitive impairment/dementia
describe the physiology of detrusor contraction
parasympathetic S2,3,4 nerves from brain => ACh to muscarinic M3, M3 receptors => detrusor contraction
what is an obstetric fistula
hole develops in birth canal due to childbirth
can be between vagina and rectum/ureter/bladder
result in incontinence of urine or faeces
rare in developed world
urinary catheter/stent can be useful treatment
surgery may be needed to close fistula/repair tissue