Women's Health Flashcards
Outline the 4 main components of palpation during an antenatal examination
- Fundal height
- Foetal poles
- Presenting part
- Engagement
What is the normal dose fo antenatal folic acid
400 mcg
What indications are there for a higher dose of folic acid during pregnancy? (7)
A dose of 5 mg should be taken by mothers that:
- Hx of previous babies with neural tube defects
- Either parent has a neural tube defect
- Hx of neural tube defects in the family
- Anti-epileptic medication
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Bowel disease e.g. coeliac or IBD
How is hyperemesis gravidarum diagnosed? (3)
Protracted nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in the presence of the following triad:
- > 5% pregnancy weight loss
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalance
Suggest 3 scenarios in which nausea and vomiting of pregnancy should be managed as an inpatient
- Continuous nausea and vomiting with an inability to keep down oral anti-emetics
- Continued nausea and vomiting associated with ketonuria and/ or weight loss >5% of pregnancy weight despite the use of oral anti-emetics
- Confirmed or suspected co-morbidity e.g. UTI
Give 2 adverse reactions associated with the use of the anti-emetic agents metoclopramide and the phenothiazines
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
2. Oculogyric crisis (involuntary upward gaze of the eyes)
What are the first line anti-emetics used for the management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy? (2)
- H1 receptor antagonists
2. Phenothiazines
Give an example of a H1 receptor antagonist
Loratadine
What is the best form of fluids to be given for rehydration to patients with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy?
0.9% saline with additional potassium chloride in each bag
Which supplement should be administered to any women who is admitted to hospital with prolonged vomiting during pregnancy?
Thiamine
Name a complimentary therapy that is often helpful in the management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy
Ginger
What are the 4 main types of female genital mutilation?
Type 1 - Partial/total removal of the clitoris gland and/or the prepuce/clitoral hood.
Type 2 - Partial or total removal of the clitoris and labia minora
Type 3 - Infibulation
Type 4 - All other harmful procedures to the female genitals for non medical purposes
What is the leading cause of indirect maternal death during or up to six weeks post pregnancy?
Cardiac disease
What is the leading cause of direct maternal death during or up to six weeks post pregnancy?
Thrombosis and thromboembolism
What is the function of the MEOWS score?
An EWS equivalent used for pregnant women from 20 weeks gestation
Classify the drug misoprostol
Synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue
Briefly outline the process of sensitisation with regards to Rhesus disease
When a women with RhD negative blood is exposed to RhD positive blood which in turn triggers an immune response
What are the 2 potential dose regimes for anti-D prophylaxis?
- Single dose between 28-30 weeks
2. 2 dose treatment. First injection at 28 weeks and the second at 34 weeks
Define Gravidity
Number of pregnancies a women has had, including current pregnancy
Define Parity
Number of births beyond 24wks gestation
Recall Naegele’s rule for calculating an expected date of delivery
Add 1 year and 7 days from the date of the last menstrual period and then subtract 3 months
Recall 3 aspects of a SHx that must be addressed in an obstetric history
- Recreational drug use
- Domestic violence
- Psychiatric illness- particularly in the post-natal period
Recall 4 aspects of a FHx that must be addressed as part of an obstetric history
- Multiple pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Chromosomal or congenital malformations
Briefly describe the palpable points in each of the possible foetal lie positions (3)
- Longitudinal - Foetal head or breech palpable over the pelvic breach
- Oblique - Head or breach is palpable in the iliac fossa and nothing is felt in the lower uterus
- Transverse - Foetal poles felt in the flanks and nothing above the brim
Outline the course of the sacrospinous ligament
Extends from the lateral margin of of the sacrum and coccyx to the ischial spine
Outline the course of the sacrotuberous ligament
Extends from the sacrum to the ischial tuberosity
What are the 4 basic shapes/ variations of the female pelvis?
- Gynaecoid (50%)
- Anthropoid (25%)
- Android (20%)
- Platypolloid (5%)
Outline and name the 4 suture connecting the bones of the foetal skull
- Coronal suture - separates the frontal and parietal bones
- Sagittal suture - separate the 2 parietal bones
- Lambdoid suture - separates the occipital bone from the parietal bones
- Frontal suture - separates the 2 frontal bones
Which sutures make up the anterior and posterior fontanelle respectively?
- Anterior - Coronal and sagittal sutures
2. Posterior - Sagittal and lambdoid sutures
When do beta-HCG levels peak during pregnancy?
~ 3 months gestation
Give 3 changes to the physiology of respiration that occur during pregnancy
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Relative hyperventilation
- Increased tidal volume
Outline 3 normal cardiovascular changes that occur during pregnancy
- Increased cardiac output
- Reduced systemic vascular resistance
- Reduction in BP
Why is anemia common during normal pregnancy?
There is a comparatively much greater increase in plasma volume compared to RBC volume in the vascular system of the mother
Describe 3 haematological changes that occur during normal pregnancy
- Increased plasma volume (40%)
- Increased red cell volume (25%)
- Hypercoagulative state due to an increase in clotting factors
What causes the higher incidence of reflux disease in pregnancy?
Increasing levels of progesterone act as a muscle relaxant on the muscle of the oesophagus
What 5 tests will be carried out on blood samples taken at a pregnancy booking appointment?
- Haemoglobin
- Platelets
- Infections e.g. HIV, syphilis and Hep B
- Blood group and antibody status
- Sickle cell and thalassaemia
NB. Ideally done <10wks into pregnancy (8-12wks)
When can the ‘quad test’ be carried out and what biomarkers are assessed with this blood test?
Can be performed between 14 and 20 weeks gestation. The following biomarkers are assessed:
- AFP
- Inhibin A
- Oestradiol
- Beta-HCG
Give 6 risk factors associated with the development of gestational diabetes
- BMI > 30
- Certain ethnic groups: Black African, Indian
- FHx of 1st degree relative with gestational diabetes
- Polycstic ovarian syndrome
- Previous baby >4.5 kg at delivery
- Previous gestational diabetes
If gestational diabetes is suspected/ the mother is identified at high risk, at what stage of the pregnancy would a glucose tolerance test be offered?
Between 26-28 weeks
Suggest 7 ‘sensitising events’ which may occur in Rhesus negative women
- Spontaneous miscarriage
- Termination of pregnancy
- Invasive procedures
- Traumatic events
- Placental abruption
- Foeto-maternal haemorrhage
- Blood transfusions
What is the dose of ‘prophylactic anti-D’ administered to women + when is it administered?
Given at 28 wks - 1500 iu dose
The ‘combined test’ tests for which genetic abnormalities?
- Down’s syndrome - trisomy 21
- Edward syndrome - trisomy 18
- Patau syndrome - trisomy 13
Newborn blood spots screen should ideally occur when?
Day 5 post birth
What is the definition of maternal death?
Death whilst pregnant or within 42 days of birth
Give 3 reasons for the increasing incidence of pre-existing disorders of pregnancy
- Better management of medical disorders
- Higher reproductive expectations
- Increasing maternal age
Maternal hypertension is associated with which foetal risk
Poor growth
Give 2 disease processes which are known to improve during pregnancy?
- Rheumatoid arthritis
2. Multiple sclerosis
What value is diagnostic for gestational diabetes? (2)
Fasting glucose ≥ 5.6mmol/L
OR
2 hour glucose ≥ 7.8mmol/L
Antenatal anti Xa monitoring can be used for the monitoring thrombophilia associated VTE in pregnancy. What levels should be aimed for?
NB/ Test that does not use exogenous antithrombin should be used
Should aim for 4 hourly peak levels of 0.5-1 iu/ml
Outline the 5 principle characteristic features of a warfarin embryopathy
- Hypoplasia of the nasal bridge
- Congenital heart defects
- Ventriculomegaly
- Agenesis of the corpus callosum
- Stippled epiphyses
Give 5 complications associated with continued warfarin therapy during pregnancy
- Warfarin embryopathy
- Spontaneous miscarriage
- Stillbrith
- Neurological problems in the baby
- Foetal and maternal haemorrhage
Can warfarin be used by breastfeeding mothers?
Yes. Though requires monitoring due to increased risk of postpartum haemorrhage
Give 3 examples of heritable thrombophilias
Deficiency in:
- Antithrombin
- Protein C
- Protein S
Give 3 examples of anti-phospholipid antibodies
- Lupus anticoagulant
- Anticardiolipin
- Beta-2-Glycoprotein-1 antibodies
Give 3 risk factors for VTE that can present in the 1st trimester of pregnancy
- Hyperemesis
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
- IVF pregnancy
What agents should be used for antenatal and postnatal VTE prophylaxis?
LMWH
When is it necessary to monitor the platelet count in women on VTE prophylaxis?
If they have a Hx of prior exposure to unfractionated heparin
If unfractionated heparin is used after caesarian section, for what period of time should the platelet count be monitored for?
Every 2-3 days from days 4-14 or until the heparin is stopped
Why should dextran be avoided antenatally and intrapartum?
Risk of anaphylactoid reaction
Are NOAC’s currently recommend for use when breastfeeding?
No + they should be avoided in pregnant women
Name 4 disorders that increase the risk of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Renal disease
- SLE
Why is Propylthiouracil contra-indicated in pregnancy?
Associated with severe liver disease in some pregnancies
What is the ‘safest’ epileptic drug for women of childbearing age?
Lamotrigine - however does still have an association with an increased incidence of congenital malformations
Is trimethoprim contra-indicated in pregnancy?
Contraindicated in the 1st trimester as it interferes with the folic acid pathway. Considered safe to use in later pregnancy
Why are NSAIDS contraindicated in most pregnancies?
Increased risk of Oligohydramnios and premature closure of the foetal ductus arteriosus
What risk is associated with the continued use of SSRI’s during pregnancy?
If taken during the 1st trimester there is an increased risk of congenital heart defects in the foetus
When should Nitrofurantoin be avoided during pregnancy?
At term >36/40 due to association with haemolytic anemia
Why is carbimazole contraindicated in pregnancy?
Associated with aplasia cutis if taken in the 1st trimester of pregnancy
Why are ACE inhibitors contraindicated during pregnancy?
Avoided in second and third trimester due to increased risk of foetal renal damage
What are the target blood sugar levels aimed for during pregnancy for women with diabetes?
Fasting - 3.5-5.5. mmol/L
Post meal - < 7.1. mmol/L
Give 7 risk factors associated with an increased risk of shoulder dystocia
- Macrosomia
- Diabetes in pregnancy
- Previous shoulder dystocia
- Raised BMI
- Induction of labour
- Epidural
- Instrumental delivery
What is the main risks associated with a LSCS prior to 39/40? (2)
Increased incidence of ARDS in neonate + higher rates of admission to NICU
Outline 6 pregnancy risks associated with obesity
- Miscarriage
- Congenital malformations
- PET
- GDM
- Macrosomia
- VTE
Outline the 3 components of the pathophysiology of diabetes in pregnancy
- Increased insulin resistance
- Reduced glucose tolerance
- Reduced renal tubular threshold for glucose
Give 3 effects of pregnancy on a patient’s pre-existing diabetes
- Increasing doses of insulin will be required throughout the pregnancy
- Worsening nephropathy and/or retinopathy
- Increase in hypoglycaemic attacks
What is the pathopneumonic congenital malformation associated with diabetes during pregnancy?
Sacral agenesis
What is the Pederon Hypothesis?
Effect of diabetes on pregnancy:
Maternal hyperglycaemia leads to foetal hyperglycaemia.
This causes elevated insulin levels in the foetal bloodstream which serves to accelerate growth and lead to macrosomia
What is the clinical consequence of macrosomia in a foetus?
Can lead to polyhydramnios which in turn can lead to preterm labour or cord prolapse
What is polyhydramnios?
Excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid during pregnancy
Give 4 complications of pregnancy associated with macrosomia?
- Induction of labour
- Dysfunctional labour
- Shoulder dystocia
- PPH
Recall the four T’s pneumonic for the 4 most common causes of PPH (Post Partum Haemorrhage)
- Tone - uterine atony
- Trauma - laceration, inversion,
- Tissue - Retained tissue or invasive placenta
- Thrombin - coagulopathy
For women with pre-existing diabetes, how is the increased risk of preeclampsia managed during pregnancy?
Aspirin 75 mg once daily - should be started before 12 weeks and continued throughout the pregnancy
What delivery advice should be given to mothers with pre-existing diabetes?
Should be offered elective delivery by 37-38+6
How does the EFW (estimated foetal weight) influence the consideration of an elective LSCS?
Women with diabetes - EFW > 4.5kg consider elective LSCS. Non diabetic pregnancies the EFW should be > 5kg
Babies of diabetic mothers should have their blood sugars checked how frequently after delivery?
Baby should be fed within 30 minutes of birth and then BM checked 2-4 hours after birth. This should be repeated until pre-meal BMs are maintained at 2 mmol/L or more
In an uncomplicated diabetic pregnancy, how often should serial scans be performed?
Every 4 weeks, from 28 weeks
What is the most common cause of anemia in pregnancy?
Iron deficiency
How is anemia defined during pregnancy and postpartum?
First trimester - Hb < 110 g/L
Second and third trimesters - Hb < 105 g/L
Postpartum - Hb <100 g/L
What is the APGAR score?
A quick test to assess the health of an infant. The components of the assessment are: A - Appearance P - Pulse G - Grimace A - Activity R - Respiration
What is the RDA for iron intake in the later stages of pregnancy?
27 mg per day
Give 4 contraindications to IV iron therapy
- History of anaphylaxis/ serious adverse reactions
- 1st trimester of pregnancy
- Active acute or chronic bacteraemia
- Decompensated liver disease
When should IV iron be considered as a therapy when a pregnant women presents with anemia?
Women who present after 34 week gestation with a confirmed iron deficiency anemia and a Hb <100 g/L
What medication + dose is used in the 3rd stage of labour as a prophylactic agent for PPH when delivering vaginally?
Oxytocin 10 iu by intramuscular injection
What is the dose and purpose of administration of Oxytocin to women delivering by caesarian section?
Dose: 5 iu by slow IV injection
Purpose: Used to encourage contraction of the uterus and to decrease blood loss
For a women delivering by caesarian section who is at increased risk of PPH, what is the pharmacological management?
- Oxytocin - 5 iu IV
2. Tranexamic acid - 0.5-1 g IV
Is Nifedipine a uterine stimulant or relaxant?
Relaxant
Is Turbutaline a uterine stimulant or relaxant?
Relaxant
Is Atosiban a uterine stimulant or relaxant?
Relaxant
Is Prostin a uterine stimulant or relaxant?
Stimulant
Is indomethacin a uterine stimulant or relaxant?
Relaxant
Is magnesium a uterine stimulant or relaxant?
Relaxant
What is the difference between pregnancy induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is defined as proteinuria in addition to hypertension, where as there is no proteinuria associated with pregnancy induced hypertension
What is the definition of Pre-eclampsia?
Hypertension after 20 weeks of pregnancy with associated proteinuria
How is pre-eclampsia diagnosed clinically?
> 140/90 BP readings on two separate occasions at least 4 hours apart
In addition to:
Proteinuria >300mg/ 24 hrs or >30mg/mmol on spot test protein/creatine ratio
Give 5 risk factors for the development of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy?
- First pregnancy
- Previous pre-eclampsia
- > 40 years of age
- > 35 BMI
- Multiple pregnancy
Name 3 anti-hypertensives that can be used in the acute treatment/ management of pre-eclampsia
- Labetalol
- Nifedipine
- Hydrallazine
Name the medication used to prevent ‘fits’ in pre-eclampsia
Magnesium sulphate
What are the 3 clinical components of HELLP syndrome seen in severe cases of pre-eclampsia
- Haemolysis
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Low platelets
Define the term: ‘small for gestational age’
A foetus that is born with a birth weight less than the 10 centile on an infant growth chart
Define the term: ‘Foetal growth restriction’
Failure of the foetus to reach its pre-determined growth potential due to pathology
Suggest 3 potential causes of impaired maternal oxygen carrying
- Heart disease
- Smoking
- Haemoglobinopathies
Suggest 3 potential causes of maternal vascular disease
- Pre-existing hypertension
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders
Suggest 4 potential causes of placental damage
- Smoking
- Thrombophilia
- PET
- Autoimmune diseases
Give 4 recognised long term implications for a foetus born small for gestational age
- Learning difficulties
- Failure to thrive and short stature
- Cerebral palsy
- Type 2 diabetes
Give 3 complications associated with premature birth
- Necrotising enterocolitis
- HIE and associated sequelae
- Chronic lung disease
What 3 measurements are used to estimate a foetal weight from a USS?
- Abdominal circumference
- Head circumference
- Femur length
What calculation is used to produce an EFW (estmiated foetal weight)?
Hadlock calculation
Recall the components of the APGAR scoring system
A - Appearance P - Pulse G - Grimace A - Activity R - Respiration
Recall the different scores available for the ‘appearance’ section of the APGAR scoring system
0 - Blue/ Pale
1 - Acrocyanosis
2 - Pink
Recall the different scores available for the ‘ Pulse ‘ section of the APGAR scoring system
1 - < 100 bpm
2 - > 100 bpm
Recall the different scores available for the ‘grimace’ section of the APGAR scoring system
0 - Absent
1 - Feeble
2 - Strong cry
Recall the different scores available for the ‘activity’ section of the APGAR scoring system
0 - Absent
1 - Some flexion
2 - Full movement
Recall the different scores available for the ‘ respiration’ section of the APGAR scoring system
0 - Absent
1 - Weak
2 - Strong
What is the classic triad of symptoms associated with pre-eclampsia?
- Hypertension
- Proteinuria
- Oedema
What is the first line pharmacological treatment for moderate to severe hypertension in pregnancy?
Labetalol
For women with moderate to severe hypertension during pregnancy, what are the NICE targets for systolic and diastolic blood pressure control?
Systolic - < 150 mmHg
Diastolic - 80-100 mmHg
What is the treatment dose of magnesium sulphate used in the management of severe pre-eclampsia?
Loading dose of 4g IV over 5 minutes followed by an infusion of 1g/hr over 24 hrs
What is the most commonly used opioid for labour analgesia?
Pethidine - Meperidine
Give 3 signs of magnesium toxicity
- Loss of tendon reflexes (due to neuromuscular blockade)
- Respiratory depression
- Cardiac arrest
What is synctocinon?
Synthetic oxytocin
After birth APGAR scores should be taken (at least) at which 3 intervals?
- 1 minute
- 5 minutes
- 10 minutes
What is the ‘normal’ BP cut off in pregnancy?
< 140/90
During pregnancy spinal arteries undergo remodelling to become what?
High capacitance, low resistance vessels
Pelvic ultrasound should be offered to any women with HMB and any one of which other criteria? (3)
- Uterus palpable on abdominal examination
- Hx or exam suggestive of a pelvic mass
- Inconclusive or difficult physical examination in patients who are obese
What are the 3 indications for ulipristal acetate listed in the BNF?
- Pre-operative treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids
- Intermittent treatment of moderate to severe uterine fibroids
- Emergency contraception
Give 2 non-hormonal treatment options for fibroids >3cm in diameter
- NSAIDS
2. Tranexamic acid
Give 4 hormonal pharmacological options for the treatment of fibroids >3cm in diameter
- Ulipristal acetate
- LNG-IUS
- Combined hormonal contraception
- Cyclical oral progestogens
Which form of contraception can result in heavier periods?
Copper coil