WOMENS HEALTH - obstetrics Flashcards
what is an ectopic pregnancy?
when a fertilised egg implants anywhere outside of the uterus
where is the most common site for ectopic pregnancy?
fallopian tubes
RFs for ectopic pregnancy
- previous ectopic
- tubal damage e.g. due to surgery
- hx of infertility
- endometriosis
- smoker
- > 35
- having the coil
when does ectopic pregnancy commonly present?
6-8 weeks gestation
presentation of an ectopic pregnancy
- missed period
- constant lower abdominal pain
- vaginal bleeding
- cervical motion tenderness (pain when moving cervix during bimanual)
investigations for an ectopic pregnancy
- first line = preg test
- transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVUS)
- investigation of choice
- may see… gestational sac containing sac/fetal pole/non specific mass in tube, empty uterus - +/- serum bHCG
- if high, would expect to see something in uterus, so if uterus is empty suggests pregnancy elsewhere
what level of serum bHCG is high an
> 1500
what is a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL)? what needs to be ruled out if this is the case?
= a positive pregnancy test but no evidence of pregnancy on US
need to rule out ectopic pregnancy
what change in hCG over 48h indicates:
a) intrauterine preg
b) ectopic preg
b) miscarriage
a) rise of more than 63%
b) rise of less than 63%
c) fall of more than 50%
when should women take folic acid during pregnancy? what dose?
It is recommended that women take folic acid 400mcg OD ideally 3 months before conception up to 12 weeks gestation
results from combined test chromosomal screening that indicate high risk of the baby having Down’s Syndrome
a) nuchal translucency
b) B-hCG
c) PAPP-A
- thickened nuchal translucency
- increased B-HCG
- reduced PAPP-A
what is perinatal depression?
encompasses depression occurring during (prenatal depression) and following (postpartum depression) childbirth
what are the most commonly used antidepressants in pregnancy? what do patients need to be cautious of?
SSRIs - can cross placenta into foetus so risks need to be balanced against tx benefit
what are the potential risks of SSRIs in:
a) first trimester
b) third trimester
c) neonates
a) congenital heart defects
b) persistent pulmonary HTN in the neonate
c) neonates can experience withdrawal sx (usually mild, not requiring tx)
which SSRI has the strongest link with congenital malformations when taken in the first trimester?
paroxetine
what is the diagnostic criteria triad for hyperemesis gravidarum?
- 5% pre-pregnancy weight loss
- dehydration
- electrolyte imbalance
criteria for conservative management of an ectopic pregnancy (6)
- FU needs to be possible
- ectopic needs to be unruptured
- adnexal mass <35mm
- no visible heartbeat
- no sig pain
- HCG level <1500 IU/l
criteria for medical management of an ectopic
- all same criteria as conservative PLUS
- HCG <5000
- confirmed absence of intrauterine pregnancy
what is the medical management of an ectopic pregnancy? what are the SEs?
- IM methotrexate
- vaginal bleeding, N&V, abdo pain, stomatitis
what is the 1st line surgical tx for an ectopic pregnancy?
laparoscopic salpingectomy - GA, key-hole surgery with removal of the fallopain tube
in which women with an ectopic pregnancy should laparoscopic salpingotomy, as opposed to salpingectomy, be performed?
women with increased risk of infertility due to damage to the other tube
criteria for surgical management of an ectopic pregnancy (4)
- pain
- adnexal mass >35mm
- visible heartbeat
- HCG >5000
4 causes of anaemia in pregnancy
- physiological!
- low Fe/B12/folate
- thalassemia
- sickle cell
risk factors for anaemia in pregnancy (2)
- multiple pregnancy
- poor dietary intake
pathophysiology of physiological anaemia in pregnancy
- plasma volume increases in pregnancy
- so reduction in haemoglobin concentration
- blood is diluted due to higher plasma vol
if not asymptomatic, how may a pregnant woman with anaemia present?
- SOB
- fatigue
- dizziness
- pallor
screening for anaemia in pregnancy
a) when?
b) what tests are done?
a) one screening at booking clinic, one at 28 weeks gestation
b) BLOODS
- haemoglobin conc
- MCV
what MCV result indicates:
a) Fe deficiency anaemia
b) physiological
c) B12/folate deficiency
a) low
b) normal
c) raised
what concentration of Hb is NORMAL/what are the thresholds for anaemia at
a) booking bloods
b) 28 weeks
c) post partum
a) >110g/l (< is threshold)
b) >105g/l
c) >100g/l
treatment of anaemia in pregnancy
a) women below thresholds
b) if low B12
c) if low folate
- iron - ferrous sulphate 200mg OD
- IM hydroxocobalamin or oral cyancobalamin
- folate - all pregnant women already taking 400mcg, BUT if folate deficiency take >5mg daily
management of thalassemia/sickle cell anaemia in pregnancy
specialist haematologist, 5mg folic acid, monitoring and transfusions
what screening tool is used to assess a woman’s mood postpartum? what score suggests possible postnatal depression?
Edinburgh Posnatal Depression Scale
10 Qs, total score of 30
> 10 suggests postnatal depression
define baby blues
a common condition causing anxiousness and tearfulness shortly after giving birth
when is baby blues common? when should it typically resolve?
3-7 days after birth
should resolve within 2 weeks
RF for baby blues
primips
management of baby blues
supportive - health worker has a key role
investigations for BV in pregnant women
- speculum (not indicated in non pregnant women)
- vaginal pH
- charcoal vaginal swab for microscopy
management of BV in pregnant women:
a) asymptomatic
b) symptomatic
a) discuss with obstetrician
b) oral metronidazole 400mg for 5-7 days
advice on reducing vaginal douching, using antiseptics/bubble baths
define antepartum haemorrhage
bleeding from/in genital tract, occurring from 24+0 weeks of pregnancy and prior to birth of the baby
causes of antepartum haemorrhage (5)
- vasa previa
- placenta previa
- rupture uterus
- placental abruption
- idiopathic
RFs for antepartum haemorrhage
abruption - preeclampsia, advanced maternal age, IVF, infection, non-vertex presentation, PROM, trauma, smoking drug misuse
praevia - previous c-section, previous termination, advanced maternal age, multiple pregnancy, smoking, IVF
presentation of antepartum haemorrhage (4)
- PV bleeding
- abdominal pain
- maternal cardiovascular compromise
- reduced foetal movement/abnormal CTG
assessment of antepartum haemorrhage if bleeding is:
a) ongoing and heavy
b) intermittent/into pad
a) emergency resus
b) assess location of placenta, foetal movements, abdominal/PV examination
management of antepartum haemorrhage
- DR ABCDE
- CTG
- IV access and bloods
- +/- fluids
- if expecting preterm delivery - steroids and MgSO4
- may need to expedite delivery
anti-D if mum is rhesus-negative
signs of a concealed antepartum haemorrhage
shock - clammy, pale, sweaty
NOT MUCH BLOOD LOSS
think - is amount of blood being lost fitting with the presentation?
what is cephalopelvic disproportion?
a mismatch between the size of the foetal head and the size of the maternal pelvis
causes of cephalopelvic disproportion (4)
- foetal macrosomia
- small mother e.g. young, petite
- pelvic malformations
- breech presentation
RFs for cephalopelvic disproportion (4)
- late due date
- gestational diabetes
- family hx of large babies
- previous trauma e.g. fractured pelvis
when will cephalopelvic disproportion present?
early labour stages - active stage
what is a sign of cephalopelvic disproportion?
fail to progress in labour
when is labour considered failing to progress?
a) if first birth
b) if previously given birth
what is a sign?
a) > 20 hours
b) >14 hours
slow/no thinning or dilatation of cervix
investigations for cephalopelvic disproportion
if labour is failing to progress…
1. abdominal exam
2. cervical exam
3. foetal monitoring with CTG
management for cephalopelvic disproportion
delivery of foetus ASAP
complications of cephalopelvic disproportion (2)
- foetal distress
- c-section
investigations for a UTI in pregnancy
- urine dipstick
- urine MSU and culture
- if suspect pyeloneph > renal USS
which medication for a UTI should be avoided in the FIRST trimester of pregnancy?
trimethoprim (think PRIM > PRIMARY for first trimester)
which medication for a UTI should be avoided in the THIRD trimester of pregnancy?
nitrofurantoin (think toin for trois > three)
lower UTI abx options for pregnant women (think what may be allowed depending on the gestation). how long should abx be taken for?
1st line = nitrofurantoin (but not in third trimester)
others = amoxicillin, cephalexin,
7 day course
upper UTI management for pregnant women
broad spectrum abx e.g. cefalexin or ciprofloxacin
what is asymptomatic bateriuria?
bacteria present in the urine without symptoms of infection
when is asymptomatic bacteriuria tested for in pregnant women? how is it done?
- at booking clinic and routinely throughout pregnancy
- urine sample sent to lab for microscopy, culture and sensitivities (MC&S)
what are the adverse outcomes associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women?
- upper and lower UTIs
- preterm delivery
- LBW
- pre-eclampsia
why is trimethoprim avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy?
it’s a folate antagonist - folate is important in early preg for normal development of foetus
trimethoprim in the first trimester can cause…
congenital malformations e.g. spina bifida
which antibiotic that treats chlamydia is contraindicated in pregnancy?
doxycycline
tx of chlamydia in pregnant women
azithromycin 1g orally for one day, then 500mg for two days
what is cord prolapse?
when the umbilical cord descends ahead of the presenting part of the foetus
an obstetric emergency
pathophysiology of cord prolapse - what happens to the foetus and why?
- exposure of cord to outside»_space; vasospasm
- reduces blood flow to foetus
- > > foetal hypoxia
RFs for cord prolapse (6)
- foetal malpresentation
- PROM
- polyhydramnios
- long umbilical cord
- multiparity
- multiple previous pregnancies
when is a diagnosis of cord prolapse made?
when foetal HR becomes abnormal AND umbilical cord is either:
- palpable vaginally
- visible beyond introitus (external vag opening)
investigations for cord prolapse (2)
- CTG (distress)
- vaginal/speculum exam (palpable/visible cord)
management steps for cord prolapse - what can be done to alleviate pressure on the cord? what positions can mum be put in? + definitive tx
- call 999/emergency buzzer
- can infuse saline into bladder (alleviates presenting part)
- positions of mum - trendelenburg (feet higher than head), left lateral (pillow under hip) or knee-chest position (all fours)
- constant foetal monitoring
- alleviate pressure on cord - push presenting part of foetus back
- IF cord past level of introitus > minimal handling, keep warm and moist (prevents vasospasm)
- transfer to theatre - definitive is emergency c-section
what medication can be given to a pregnant women with cord prolapse while waiting for delivery? why?
tocolytic meds e.g. terbutaline - minimises contractions
tx of gonorrhoea in pregnant women
ceftriaxone 1g IM injection (single dose)
define hypoactive uterus
dysfunction in the propulsive power of the uterus
signs and sx of hypoactive uterus plus
a) < what number of contractions in 10 minutes is worrying?
b) not strong enough to cause cervix to dilate beyond __cm
- abnormal labour pattern - prolonged delivery
- uterine contractions becoming weaker/inefficient/stopping
- < 2-3 contractions in 10 minute period
- cervix doesn’t dilate beyond 4cm
how is a hypoactive uterus monitored?
on partogram
what will be found on examination in a hypoactive uterus?
fundus won’t feel firm at height (acme) of contraction)
differential diagnosis for hypoactive uterus (2)
- malpresentation
- obstructed labour
stepwise management options for a hypoactive uterus
- supportive
- oxytocin infusion
- c-section
likely causes of antepartum haemorrhage in the 1st trimester (3)
- spontaneous abortion
- ectopic pregnancy
- hydatidiform mole
likely causes of antepartum haemorrhage in the 2nd trimester (3)
- spontaneous abortion
- hydatidiform mole
- placental abruption
likely causes of antepartum haemorrhage in the 3rd trimester
- bloody show
- placental abruption
- placenta praevia
- vasa praevia
6-8 weeks amenorrhoea with (unilateral) lower abdo pain and vaginal bleeding later. shoulder tip pain and cervical excitation
ectopic
bleeding in first/early second trimester associated with exaggerated sx of pregnancy e.g. hyperemesis. uterus may be large for dates.
hydatidiform mole
constant lower abdominal pain, may be in hypovolaemic shock despite not much blood. tender, tense uterus with normal lie and presentation. foetal heart may be distressed.
placental abruption
3rd trimester vaginal bleeding, no pain. non-tender uterus, lie and presentation may be abnormal.
placental praevia
3rd trimester - rupture of membranes followed immediately by vaginal bleeding. foetal bradycardia.
vasa praevia
which c-section scar is a contraindication for vaginal birth in the next pregnancy?
a classical vertical scar (as opposed to a vertical uterine incision)
which hormonal therapy is contraindicated in uncontrolled HTN?
oestrogen therapies e.g. COCP
what levels of hCG, TSH and thyroxine would be expected in a hydatidiform mole?
- high beta hCG
- low TSH
- high thyroxine
(hCG acts similarly to TSH, so stimulates thyroid gland to produce T3/4. this negatively feeds back on the pituitary to stop TSH secretion)
management of severe hyperemesis gravidarum in hospital
IV 0.9% saline with potassium (hypokalaemia common)
when should external cephalic version NOT be attempted?
if membranes have already ruptured in active labour
the COCP is contraindicated < how many weeks postpartum?
<6 weeks
management of pre-existing diabetes if patient becomes pregnant (6)
- weight loss if BMI <27
- stop oral hypoglycemics (apart from metformin) and commence insulin
- folic acid 5mg/day from pre-conception to 12w gestation
- detailed anomaly scan at 20w
- tight glycaemic control
- screen for retinopathy and neuropathy
impact of diabetes on pregnancy
- hyperglycemia»_space; foetal macrosomia
- vascular inflammation affects placental development»_space; preeclampsia, intrauterine foetal death
impact of pregnancy on pre-existing diabetes
- pregnancy = insulin resistant state !!! (as need slightly higher blood sugar to feed baby)
- so need for meds increases and higher risk of complications e.g. retinopathy etc
RFs for gestational diabetes (5)
- family hx of diabetes
- obesity (BMI >30)
- ethnicity (south Asian, Black, African-Caribbean, Middle Eastern)
- previous GDM
- previous macrosomic baby (>4.5kg)
- maternal age >40
GDM screening:
a) which women are screened?
b) when?
c) with what?
a) women with any of the 5 RFs
b) as soon as possible after booking appointment (if first test normal, test again at 24-28 weeks)
c) oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (measure fasting glucose, give sugary drink, re-measure in 2 hours)
diagnostic cut-offs for GDM
a) fasting glucose
b) 2 hour glucose
a) >5.6
b) > 7.8
remember 5678!
initial management for GDM if fasting plasma glucose <7
- referral to specialist joint antenatal + diabetes clinic (specialist midwives, obs, diabetes physician)
- trial of diet and exercise advice (avoid white bread/pasta/cake, replace with whole fibres, brown pasta etc. exercise!)
management of GDM <7mmol/l if glucose targets not met within 1-2 weeks of lifestyle trial
what if this does not work?
start metformin
if targets still not met, add insulin
what type of insulin is used in GDM?
short-acting (not long)
management of GDM if at time of diagnosis fasting glucose is >7
- referral to specialist joint preg/diabetes clinic
- start insulin!
birth timings for:
a) pre-existing diabetes
b) GDM
a) normally from 37-38+6 (aka before 39)
b) if uncomplicated, 39/40. if complicated e.g. growth concern, poor control then 37-38+6
when are women with GDM followed up? why?
13 weeks postnatal - to screen for development of T2DM
complications of GDM (4)
- macrosomia
- polyhydramnios
- CHD
- preeclampsia
definition of macrosomia
> 90th centile OR EBW >4.5kg
risks associated with macrosomia (2)
- shoulder dystocia
- operative birth
what is shoulder dystocia?
an obstetric emergency where the foetus’ anterior shoulder is impacted/stuck behind the mother’s pubic symphysis
foetal complications of shoulder dystocia (4)
- hypoxic ischaemic brain injury
- neonatal death
- nerve palsy (due to stretching of brachial plexus)
- fractures e.g. clavicle, humerus
maternal complications of shoulder dystocia (2)
- PPH
- perineal tears
which nerve palsy in the foetus is the most common in foetus’ with shoulder dystocia?
Erb’s palsy (paralysis of the arm)
management steps for shoulder dystocia (5)
- call for help
- legs in McRobert’s position (knees flexed up onto chest, hips abducted)
- evaluate for episiotomy
- abdominal pressure (pressure on tummy to try and push baby’s shoulders together)
- internal manoeuvres - deliver posterior arm/Woods screw (rotate baby)
what happens to diastolic BP in NORMAL pregnancy?
falls in first trimester by about 20-40mmHg
continues to fall until 20-24w gestation
then increases to pre-pregnancy levels by term
3 types of HTN in pregnancy
- chronic HTN
- pregnancy-induced HTN
- pre-eclampsia
definition of chronic HTN vs pregnancy-induced
chronic - pre-existing HTN OR HTN developing before 20 weeks gestation
pregnancy-induced - HTN after 20 weeks gestation
how is gestational HTN assessed? what is given to mum’s at risk?
- NICE criteria/Tommy’s
- aspirin 75-150mg OD
when is HTN screened in pregnancy? how?
at every antenatal contact mum gets BP check and urine dipped for proteinuria
if when screening HTN mum’s urine dipstick is +ve for protein, what further investigation is done?
protein-creatinine ratio
medical management for gestational HTN:
a) 1st line
b) if asthmatic
c) 3rd line
d) severe
a) labetalol
b) nifedipine
c) hydralazine/methyldopa
d) IV hydralazine/labetalol
labetalol for HTN in pregnancy
a) mechanism of action
b) contradindicated in…
c) SEs
a) beta-blocking and alpha-blocking activity
b) asthmatics
c) headache, oedema
target BP in pregnant women with HTN?
<135/85
monitoring of gestational HTN
a) if preeclampsia
b) if pregnancy induced
c) if chronic
a) monitor BP at least every 48h, don’t bother monitoring proteinuria
b) monitor BP once/twice weekly, with urine dip
c) depends on control, may be stable!
when does pregnancy-induced HTN typically resolve?
typically 1 month following birth
define pre-eclampsia
diagnostic criteria?
a multisystem inflammatory condition characterised/caused by placental insufficiency
new-onset BP >140/90 after 20 weeks of pregnancy, and 1 more of…
- proteinuria
- other organ involvement e.g. renal, liver, neuro
what defines proteinuria in preeclampsia?
0.3g/24hours
pathophysiology of preeclampsia
- remodelling of uterine arteries doesn’t happen (single lane country road > 18-lane super highway)
- baby not getting enough blood via placenta > sends out stress hormones
- these hormones enter the maternal circulation > inflammation
- maternal BP increases in response
- body-wide inflammation, implicating kidneys, liver, blood vessels, neuro