Obs and gyn Flashcards
(179 cards)
Post-partum haemorrhage
Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is defined as blood loss of > 500mls and may be primary or secondary
Primary PPH
occurs within 24 hours
affects around 5-7% of deliveries
most common cause of PPH is uterine atony (90% of cases). Other causes include genital trauma and clotting factors
Risk factors for primary PPH include*: previous PPH prolonged labour pre-eclampsia increased maternal age polyhydramnios emergency Caesarean section placenta praevia, placenta accreta macrosomia ritodrine (a beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist used for tocolysis)
Management
ABC including two peripheral cannulae, 14 gauge
IV syntocinon (oxytocin) 10 units or IV ergometrine 500 micrograms
IM carboprost
if medical options failure to control the bleeding then surgical options will need to be urgently considered
the RCOG state that the intrauterine balloon tamponade is an appropriate first-line ‘surgical’ intervention for most women where uterine atony is the only or main cause of haemorrhage
other options include: B-Lynch suture, ligation of the uterine arteries or internal iliac arteries
if severe, uncontrolled haemorrhage then a hysterectomy is sometimes performed as a life-saving procedure
Secondary PPH
occurs between 24 hours - 12 weeks**
due to retained placental tissue or endometritis
*the effect of parity on the risk of PPH is complicated. It was previously though multiparity was a risk factor but more modern studies suggest nulliparity is actually a risk factor
**previously the definition of secondary PPH was 24 hours - 6 weeks. Please see the RCOG guidelines for more details
Infertility
Infertility affects around 1 in 7 couples. Around 84% of couples who have regular sex will conceive within 1 year, and 92% within 2 years
Causes male factor 30% unexplained 20% ovulation failure 20% tubal damage 15% other causes 15%
Basic investigations
semen analysis
serum progesterone 7 days prior to expected next period. For a typical 28 day cycle, this is done on day 21.
Interpretation of serum progestogen
Level Interpretation
< 16 nmol/l Repeat, if consistently low refer to specialist
16 - 30 nmol/l Repeat
> 30 nmol/l Indicates ovulation
Key counselling points folic acid aim for BMI 20-25 advise regular sexual intercourse every 2 to 3 days smoking/drinking advice
Gravidity
number of times that a woman has been pregnant.
Parity
number of times that she has given birth to a fetus with a gestational age of 24 weeks or more, regardless of whether the child was born alive or was stillborn.
Hyperemesis gravidarum
It occurs in around 1% of pregnancies and is thought to be related to raised beta hCG levels. Hyperemesis gravidarum is most common between 8 and 12 weeks but may persist up to 20 weeks*.
Associations multiple pregnancies trophoblastic disease hyperthyroidism nulliparity obesity
NICE Clinical Knowledges Summaries recommend considering admission in the following situations:
Continued nausea and vomiting and is unable to keep down liquids or oral antiemetics
Continued nausea and vomiting with ketonuria and/or weight loss (greater than 5% of body weight), despite treatment with oral antiemetics
A confirmed or suspected comorbidity (for example she is unable to tolerate oral antibiotics for a urinary tract infection)
Hyperemesis gravidarum diagnostic criteria
- 5% pregnancy weight loss
- dehydration
- electrolyte imbalance
Management of hyperemesis gravidarum
- Antihistamines (promethazine or cyclizine)
- Ondansetron/metoclopromide
- Ginger/p6 acupressure
- Admission may be needed for IV hydration
Antenatal care: timetable
10 antenatal visits in the first pregnancy if uncomplicated
7 antenatal visits in subsequent pregnancies if uncomplicated
women do not need to be seen by a consultant if the pregnancy is uncomplicated
8 - 12 weeks (ideally < 10 weeks)
Booking visit
general information e.g. diet, alcohol, smoking, folic acid, vitamin D, antenatal classes
BP, urine dipstick, check BMI
Booking bloods/urine
FBC, blood group, rhesus status, red cell alloantibodies, haemoglobinopathies
hepatitis B, syphilis
HIV test is offered to all women
urine culture to detect asymptomatic bacteriuria
10 - 13+6 weeks
Early scan to confirm dates, exclude multiple pregnancy
11 - 13+6 weeks
Down’s syndrome screening including nuchal scan
16 weeks
Information on the anomaly and the blood results. If Hb < 11 g/dl consider iron
Routine care: BP and urine dipstick
18 - 20+6 weeks
Anomaly scan
25 weeks (only if primip)
Routine care: BP, urine dipstick, symphysis-fundal height (SFH)
28 weeks
Routine care: BP, urine dipstick, SFH
Second screen for anaemia and atypical red cell alloantibodies. If Hb < 10.5 g/dl consider iron
First dose of anti-D prophylaxis to rhesus negative women
31 weeks (only if primip)
Routine care as above
34 weeks
Routine care as above
Second dose of anti-D prophylaxis to rhesus negative women*
Information on labour and birth plan
36 weeks
Routine care as above
Check presentation - offer external cephalic version if indicated
Information on breast feeding, vitamin K, ‘baby-blues’
38 weeks
Routine care as above
40 weeks (only if primip)
Routine care as above
Discussion about options for prolonged pregnancy
41 weeks
Routine care as above
Discuss labour plans and possibility of induction
Oligohydraminos
abnormally low volume of amniotic fluid
amniotic fluid is mainly derived from foetal urine
premature rupture of membranes fetal renal problems e.g. renal agenesis intrauterine growth restriction post-term gestation pre-eclampsia
Post-partum contraception
- women require contraception after 21 days post-partum
Progesterone only pill post-partum
POP can be started at any point postpartum
after day 21 additional contraception needed for first 2 days
small amount of progesterone enters breastmilk - but not harmful