Women's health Flashcards
Ectopic pregnancy
RF = Previous ectopic / PID / Surgery to fallopian tubes / Coils / Old age / Smoking
Presentation - typically 6-8 weeks gestation with missed period - constant lower abdo pain (RIF / LIF), Vaginal bleeding, abdominal tenderness +/- pain radiation to the L shoulder
O/E bimanual palpation reveals cervical motion tenderness
!TIP - always ask about anemia symptoms e.g dizziness, syncope etc
Investigation
* * Pregnancy test - Women may have a +ve pregnancy test. Normally HCG doubles every 48hrs so a rise <63% after 48 hours indicates an ectopic (a fall of >50% indicates miscarriage)
* Gold standard =** transvaginal ultrasound**
USS will show a ‘blob/bagel’ sign which does not move with the ovaries- gestational sac containing a yolksac or fetal pole in the fallopian tube
Management of Ectopic pregnancy
- Expectant management - if <35mm unruptured ectopic with no visible heartbeat, no significant pain and HCG <1500
- Medical management (Methotrexate IM) - if HCG < 5000 & same as above
- Surgical management (Salpingectomy 1st line, Salpingotomy if risk of infertility)- if pain, adnexal mass >35mm, Visible heartbeat or HCG >5000
!NOTE - rhesus -ve women having surgical removal need Anti-D prophylaxis
Miscarriage
Sx = Painless vaginal bleeding
Types;
* Threatened = vaginal bleeding with closed cervix but alive fetus
* Inevitable = Vaginal bleeding + open cervical os
* Incomplete = Retained products of conception after miscarriage
* Complete = gestational sac present but no embryo
Investigations;
1. 1st line = **Ultrasound **
Features to look for on USS in early pregnancy + indicators of miscarriage
- Mean gestational sac diameter - *should be >25mm - this is when you would expect to see a fetal pole
- Fetal pole + crown rump length - this should be 7mm - this is when you would expect to see a heartbeat
- Fetal heartbeat - Pregnancy is viable when heartbeat is visible
Note - if no fetal pole is seen but sac >25mm then repeat scan in 1 week before confirming miscarriage. Also if crown-rump length >7mm but no heartbeat or crown-rump length <7mm with a heartbeat repeat in 1 week before confirmation.
Management of miscarriage
<6 weeks gestation = expectant management + repeat urine pregnancy test in 7-10 days.
> 6 weeks gestation = refer to EPAU for USS. Options then include;
* Expectant management
* Medical management = misoprostol
* Surgical management = misoprostol + manual/electric vaccuum aspiration
Indications for surgical management of miscarriage
Increased risk of haemorrhage
Late 1st trimester
Previous adverse/traumatic experience (e.g stillbirth)
Evidence of infection
Investigations for recurrent miscarriage
- Antiphospholipid anitbodies
- Heriditary thrombophilias testing
- Pelvic USS
- Genetic testing (on the products of conception & on parents)
1967 Abortion act / 1990 Human Fertilisation + Embryology act
- 24 weeks is the latest gestational age where abortion is legal
- A woman can abort <24 weeks if continuing pregnancy involves greater risk to physical/mental health of the woman or existing children of the family
- A woman can abort at any time in pregnancy if continuing the pregnancy is likely to risk the life of the woman or cause grave physical/mental effects OR the child is at substantial risk of severe handicap
2 registered medical practitioners must sign. Must be carried out by registered practitioner on NHS hospital or premise.
Medical ToP
- Most appropriate earlier in pregnancy. uses a combination of
1. Mifepristone (anti-progestogen) - relaxes cervix
2. Misoprostol (prostaglandin analogue) - taken 2 days later. Stimulates uterine contractions. Every 3 hours until expulsion is achieved.
Surgical ToP
First the patient is given mifepristone + misoprostol,
Then surgical dilation + suction of uterine contents
Or if >15wks = surgical dilation + evacuation of contents using forceps
How long can a pregnancy test remain +ve following ToP
4 weeks
Hyperemesis gravidarum
Diagnosis = Protracted N&V + >5% weight loss or Dehydration or Electrolyte imbalance
Severity = assesed using the PUQE
Management;
* Antiemetics - 1st line is prochlorperazine, then cyclizine/promethazine, then ondansetron, then metaclopramide
* Can try ginger or acupressure on the wrists
Severe cases may need IV antiemetics + Fluids and monitoring of U&Es. If really severe then thiamine supplementation + thromboprophylaxis needed.
When to admit a patient with hyperemesis gravidarum
- Unable to tolerate oral anti-emetics or retain fluids
- > 5% weight loss
- Ketones in urine
- Comorbidities
Complications of Hyperemesis gravidarum
- Wernicke’s encephalopathy
- Mallory-weiss tear
- Central pontine myelinosis
- ATN
- IUGR
Hydadiform mole
= type of tumour which grows like a prengnacy inside the uterus
Sx;
* extreme morning signess
* vaginal bleeding
* Increased enlargement of uterus (bigger than date)
* abnormall high HCG
* thyrotoxicosis - *hcg can act like TSH - bloods show high T3/T4 and low TSH
Investigations;
1. Pelvic USS - shows a ‘snowstorm’ appearance
2. Histology - confirms diagnosis after evacuation.
Management = evacuation + histology + monitoring of hcg until return to normal.
Down’s syndrome combined test results
High B-HCG, Low PAPP-A, Thickened nuchal translucency.
Screening for down’s syndrome >15weeks gestation
Quadruple test
Low AFP, Low Oestriol, High B-HCG, High Inhibin-A.
Low b-HCG, Oestriol & AFP and Normal Inhibin-A
Edward’s syndrome
Neural tube defect - Quadruple test result
High AFP, Low oestriol & b-hcg and normal inhibin
If combined/quadruple testing shows higher chance of Down’s syndrome, what is next?
1st line = NIPT
Gold standard for diagnosis= CVS (9-12wk) or Amniocentesis (15-19wks)
Management of hypothyroidism in pregnancy
increase levothyroxine dose by 30-50%
Management of HTN in pregnancy
Stop: ACEi / ARBs or Thiazide diuretics
Replace with B-blockers, CCBs or Alpha blockers
Pre-eclampsia prophylaxis with 75mg Aspirin OD
Management of epilepsy in pregnancy
5mg Folic acid before conception + during
Should be well controlled on monotherapy prior to conception.
Avoid: Sodium valporation + phenytoin
Safe = Lamotrigine / Carbamazepine / Levetiracem
Management of Rheumatoid arthritis in pregnancy
Methotrexate should be stopped by either parents 6 months prior to conception.
Safe = hydroxychloroquine. Corticosteroids can be duirng flare ups and NSAIDs are safe until week 33.
Lithium is associated with what congenital abnormality
Ebsteins anomoly
Salt and pepper chorioretinitis in a newborn
Indiates congenital rubella
(Rubella infection <20 weeks gestation)
Features of congenital rubella
Sensorineural deafness
congenital cataracts
PDA or Pulmonary stenosis
LDs
Growth retardation
Purpuric skin lesions
Salt and pepper chorioretinitis
Why must blue cheese be avoided in pregnancy
Due to risk of Listeria (gram +ve bacteria causing listeriosis)
Causes a flu-like illness (can lead to pneumonia or meningoencephalitis) and poses a high risk of miscarriage/fetal death or severe neonatal infection if acquired in pregnancy.
Congenital CMV features
Infected cells have an ‘Owl’s eye appearance’ due to intranuclear inclusion bodies
Features;
* Fetal growth restriction
* Microcephaly
* Hearing loss
* Vision loss
* LDs
* Seizures
* CMV retinitis
Congenital toxoplasmosis Triad
- Intracranial calcification
- Hydrocephalus
- Chorioretinitis
Complications of congenital Parvovirus B19
Miscarriage/fetal death
Severe fetal anemia
Hydrops fetalis
Mirror syndrome
Zika virus
Spread by the aedes mosquito or by sex with infected person.
Congenital zika syndrome;
1. Microcephaly
2. Fetal growth restriction
3. Intracranial abnormalities - Cerebellar atrophy/ventriculomegaly.
When should Anti-D antibodies be given?
Any woman who is rhesus D -ve at 28 weeks & birth and at any additional sensitising event:
* Late miscarriage (>12ks)
* ToP
* Abdominal trauma
* Amniocentesis procedures
* Bleeding
What test can be done after a sensitising event to determine if more Anti-D is needed?
Kleinhauer test
Women who are high risk for SGA baby get serial ultrasound scans to measure what?
- Estimated fetal weight
- Abdominal circumfrence
- Umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA-PI) - *to measure flow through the umbilical artery *
- Amniotic fluid volume
If a fetus is confirmed to be SGA, what additional investigations into the underlying cause should be done?
BP / Urine dip (pre-eclampsia)
Uterine artery doppler
Fetal anomaly scan
Karyotyping
Testing for infections
UTI in pregnancy
May increase risk of preterm birth
Asymptomatic bacteremia is tested for at booking scan + antenatal scans
Mx = Nitrofuantoin (avoid in 3rd trimester)
Trimethoprim (avoid in 1st trimester)
Cefalexin
Pre-eclampsia
= New HTN in pregnancy with end organ dysfunction occuring >20 weeks gestation (if present before 20 weeks then it was existing HTN).
Diagnostic criteria: BP >140/90 after 20 wks +
* Proteinuria - PCR > 30 or Albumin:creatinine >8
* Organ dysfunction - e.g raised creatinine, LFTs, seizures, Haematological abnormality
* Placental dysfunctiong - e.g SFGA
Additional invx = PIGF at 20-35 weeks (will be low)
Sx;
May cause headache / visual disturbance / N&V / Epigastric pain / Oedema / reduced urine output / Brisk reflexes / oligohydramnios
Management;
- High risk women given Aspirin prophylaxis from week 12
- Close monitoring of BP (every 48 hours) & weekly USS
- Labetalol 1st line
- Nifedpine if asthmatic
When to admit in pre-eclampsia
If BP >160/110 admit for IV hydralazine + IV magnesium sulfate if eclampsic.
Risk factors for pre-eclampsia
Moderate RF;
* Age >40
* BMI >35
* >10yrs since last pregnancy
* Multiple pregnancy
* 1st pregnancy
* FHx
High RF;
* Pre-existing HTN
* Previous gestational HTN
* Autoimmune conditions
* DM
* CKD
Criteria for Aspirin prophylaxis in pregnancy
1 high risk factor or 2+ moderate
Eclampsia
Seizures - due to pre-eclampsia
Management = IV magnesium sulfate (also give 24hrs after labour)
HELLP syndrome
Features occuring as a complication of pre-eclamspia
1. Haemolysis
2. Elevated liver enzymes
3. Low platelets
Gestational diabetes screening
OGTT done at 24-28wks.
*also at booking test if previous gestational DM.
Diagnosis is;
* Fasting glucose >5.6mmol/L
* 2hrs post glucose >7.8mmol / L
What are the target BM levels for gestational diabetes patients
Fasting <5.3
2hr post meal < 6.4
Avoid hypoglycemia (<4)
Birthing advice for women with diabetes
Uncomplicated gestational diabetes = Should give birth no later than 40 + 6 (offer induction or C-section on this date)
Existing T1DM/T2DM = Should have induction or C section planned for 37 - 38 + 6 weeks.
Features of gestational diabetes
- Large for gestational age fetus
- Polyhydramnios
- Glucose on urine dip
- Polydipsia
- Polyuria
Management of gestational diabetes
If fasting glucose <7mmol/L = trial diet + exercise for 1-2 weeks, if no improvement then Metformin, then insulin
If fasting glucose >7mmol/L or >6mmol/L + Macrosomia = Metformin + Insulin
Obstetric cholestasis
= Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Typically develops >28wks of pregnancy (thought to be a result of oestrogen/progesterone levels)
Presentation - Late in pregnancy with;
* Pruritus - particularly on hands/feet
* Fatigue
* Dark urine + pale stools
* Jaundice
Investigations -LFTs show hepatic picture with raised ALT, AST and GGT (ALP will also rise but this is normal in pregnancy)
Management;
1. Ursodeoxycholic acid - improves LFTs and itching
2. Calamine lotion
3. Anti-histamines
4. Vitamin K (if PT is derranged)
*Weekly monitoring of LFTs is needed and **induced Labour at 37 weeks. **
Main compication of obstetric cholestasis
Still birth
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy
Rare condition occuring in 3rd trimester due to rapid acculumation of fat within hepatocytes causing acute hepatitis.
Typically caused by a fetal LCHAD deficiency
Presentation;
* malaise + fatigue
* N&V
* Jaundice
* hypoglycemia
* Abdo pain, Anorexia + Ascites
Invx: LFTs show raised liver enzymes, WBC count and low platelets.
Management = obstetric emergency requiring urgent delivery of baby.
Most recover after birth.
Planceta praevia
Where the placenta is attached to lower portion of uterus (may cover cervical os)
Features;
* Many are asymptomatic
* Painless vaginal bleeding - typically 36+ weeks
Grading;
1 - placenta is lower than uterus but not reaching internal os
2 - Placenta reaches but does not cover internal os
3 - placenta is partially obstructing internal os
4 - Placenta is completely covering internal os
Invx = usually picked up on 20 week anomaly scan
Management;
- Repeat USS at 32 + 36 weeks
- Planned C section for 36-37 weeks (Give mum Corticosteroids for baby surfactant)
Placental abruption
- When the placenta separates from wall of uterus during pregnancy resulting in antepartum haemorrhage
Presentation
* Sudden & severe abdo pain
* Vaginal bleeding
* Shock (hypotension + tachycardia) - *pt may have no clear sign if concealed abruption.
* CTG abnormalities
O/E the pt may have a “woody” appearance to the abdomen (suggesting haemorrhage)
Invx; largely a clinical diagnosis - Can do USS to rule out praevia as a cause of bleed
Management;
* If < 36 weeks + fetal distress = C section (if not fetal distress just monitor)
* If > 36wks = vaginal delivery or C section if fetal distress
*NOTE - ensure to give maternal corticosteroids if delivering < 34 weeks + give Anti-D prophylaxis if woman is rhesus -ve.
Risk factors for Placental abruption
- Previous abruption
- Pre-eclampsia
- Trauma
- Multiple pregnancy
- Multigravida
- fetal growth restriction
- Cocaine & amphetamines
- Smoking
- Polyhydramnios
Placenta accreta
Where the placenta implants deeper into the myometrium (makes it difficulte to deliver the placenta)
Typically asymptomatic but may present with some bleeding in 3rd trimester.
Diagnosis = picked up on USS or at birth when placental delivery is difficult. MRI can be used to asses depth and width of invasion.
Mx;
* Planned C secrion between 35 - 36 + 6 weeks (give corticosteroids)
* If extensive disease then hysterectomy may be recommended during surgery or can try and do uterus preserving surgery.
If natural birth (i.e was not pre diagnosed) but delayed placental delivery pt may need hysterectomy.
Management of baby born to Hep B surface antigen +ve mothers
Hep B vaccine and 0.5ml HBIG within 12 hours. ofbirth
And then 2nd Vaccine 1-2 months later
Indications for continuous CTG monitoring while in labour
- Suspected chorioamnionitis or sepsis or temp >38
- Severe HTN 160/110
- Oxytocin use
- The presence of significant meconium
- Fresh vaginal bleeding occuring in labour
RF for VTE in pregnancy
Smoking
Parity >3
Age >35
BMI >30
Multiple pregnancy
Pre-eclampsia
Varicose veins
FHx
Thrombophilia
IVF
VTE prophylaxis guidelines in pregnancy
Prophylaxis with LMWH throughout pregnancy + 10 days postnatally (withheld during labour) from;
* Booking scan if previous unprovoked VTE (and 6 weeks post-natally)
* 1st trimester if 4+ risk factors
* 28 weeks + if 3+ risk factors
If contraindications for LMWH (e.g bleeding disorder or postpartum haemorrhage) Give intermittent pneumatic compression stockings.
Management of PE/VTE in pregnancy
Thrombolysis is obvious contraindicated in pregnancy (can cause catostrophic haemorrhage of placenta)
So for massive PE + haemodynamic comprimise:
1. Unfractionated heparin
2. Surgical embelectomy.
Hb Targets during/after pregnancy
Booking scan >110g/L
At 28 weeks >105 g/L
Post-partum >100g/L
Vasa praevia
A condition where fetal vessels lie across the internal cervical os
RF = placenta praevia /IVF / Multiple pregnancy
Presentation; Classic triad;
1. Rupture of membranes followed by
2. Vaginal bleeding and
3. Fetal distress
Diagnosis = Sometimes picked up antenatally with USS. Often presents during labour with vaginal bleeding or during vaginal examination.
Mx = Carries v high fetal morality due to risk of asphyxiation or hypoxia.
If pre-diagnosed then Elective C section at 34-36weeks (+ corticosteroids).
If presenting in labour = push baby back in (NOT cords) and go to emergency C section
Management of stillbirth
Vaginal birth is 1st line (unless contraindicated)
* Give mifepristol +/- Misoprostol to induce labour
Expectant management can be done
*Give Carbergoline (dopamine agonsit) after birth to suppress lactation.
Chorioamnionitis
Bacteria infection of the placenta and amniotic fluid
Sx;
* Uterine tenderness
* Bad smelling amniotic fluid (brown discharge)
* Baseline fetal tachycardia
Mx = prompty delivery of fetus (by C section if needed) followed by IV antibiotics
Management of antenatal GBS
Intrapartum IV Benzylpenecillin - required to reduced neonatal transmission.
Note - Universal GBS screening is not offered. However women who have had GSB in previous pregnancies should be offered intrapartum prophylaxis or testing at 35-37 weeks as their risk remains 50%.
IAP should be offered to any women in preterm labour (regardless of GBS status) and those with fever >38 degrees during labour
Aortocaval compression
This can occur if a pregnant lady lays on her back and causes compression of the IVC and aorta, reducing venous return to the heart therefore reducing CO leading to hypotension.
Place woman in the left lateral position to relieve the compression and improve venous return to the heart
When should you first begin to feel fetal movements
between 18-20 weeks (sometimes 16 if multiparous)
If no movements have been felt by 24 weeks then further investigation is needed.
RCOG definition of reduced fetal movements
<10 movements in 2 hours for pregnancies >28 weeks
RF for reduced fetal movements
- Posture - generally less prominent when sitting/standing
- Distraction
- Placental position - anterior placentas may cause less feeling
- Fetal position - anterior fetal position means movements are less noticable
- Body habitus
- Amniotic fluid volume
- Fetal size
Investigation for a woman 23 weeks gestation presenting with reduced fetal movements (when previous movements were felt)
Handheld doppler
What is the main hormone involved in the stimulation of labour
Prostaglandins
What monitoring is required in labour
FHR every 15 mins (or continuous CTG if indicated)
Contractions assesed every 30 mins
Maternal pulse every 60 mins
Maternal BP + Temp every 4hrs
VE every 4 hours to check progression
Maternal urine dip (ketons/protein) every 4 hours
What is the normal fetal lie
Longitudinal cephalic
Transverse lie
This is common <32 weeks but usually does correct itself.
Management = if >36 weeks then ECV should be tried (can’t be done if ROM already). If unsuccesful then C section.
Contraindications to ECV
Antepartum haemorrhage in past 7 days
Abnormal CTG
Major uterine abnormality
Ruptured membranes
Multiple pregnancy
Indications for forceps delivery
Fetal distress during 2nd stage of labour
Maternal distress in 2nd stage
Failure to progress
Control of head in breech delivery
What determines success in the 2nd stage of labour
Power = strenght of contractions
Passenger = size, attitude, lie + presentation of fetus
Passage = size and shape of the pelvis
P-PROM
Preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes
Invx = Speculum reveals pooling of amniotic fluid in the vagina
Mx x = Prophylactic Erythromycin (to prevent chorioamnionitis) + Induction of labour (if 34+ weeks)
make sure to give maternal corticosteroids.