Obstetrics Flashcards
What is pre-eclampsia
A new high blood pressure in pregnancy with evidence of end-organ dysfunction (notably proteinuria)
What evidence of end-organ dysfunction may be present in pre-eclampsia ?
Proteinuria
Severe headache
Visual disturbance
Papilloedema
Clonus
Liver tenderness
Abnormal liver enzymes
Low platelet count
RF for pre-eclampsia
Pre-existing hypertension
Previous pre-eclampsia
Multiple pregnancy
First pregnancy
Family history
Obesity
Diabetes
Older age
Autoimmune conditions
What syndrome can occur as a complication of pre-eclampsia
HELLP syndrome (stands for Haemolysis, Elevated, Liver enzymes, Low, Platelets)
What is term?
37 weeks to 42 weeks
What is polyhydramnios
an abnormally large level of amniotic fluid - a amniotic fluid index above the 95th centile for gestational age
How is amniotic fluid produced?
It predominately comes from fetal urine output - fetus breathes and swallows fluid, then voids it from the bladder
What is the latent phase of labour
Anything up to 4cm dilated
Can last 2-3 days
irregular contractions
Describe the first stage of labour
cervix dilates from 4 to 10 cm
Stronger uterine contractions
Describe the second stage of labour
from full dilation to the birth of the fetus
describe the third stage of labour
from birth of the fetus to the expulsion of the placenta
Causes of polyhydramnios
-idiopathic 50-60%
-conditions preventing foetus from swallowing (oesophageal atresia, CNS abnormalities ect)
- duodenal atresia
- anaemia
-fetal hydrops
- increased lung secretions
- genetic and chromosomal abnormalities
- infections
-gestational diabetes
How is polyhydramnios diagnosed
USS- measure amniotic fluid index or the maximum pool depth
What is the role of oxytocin in labour
it onsets the contractions of the uterus
what are the role of prostaglandins in labour
they aid with cervical ripening
what is the role of oestrogen in labour
It surges at the start of labour to inhibit progesterone
This prepares the smooth muscles for labour
What is the role of prolactin after labour?
begins the production of milk in the mammary glands
What is cervical effacement
The thinning of the cervix - also called cervical ripening.
Normally it is 4cm long however thins for labour
What is the most common pelvis type in females
the gynaecoid pelvis
Risks of polyhydramnios
Cord prolapse
Malpresentations (more room to move around)
Post partum haemorrhage
How is polyhydramnios treated?
usually no intervention
Amnioreduction- not routinely used
indomethacin - enhances water retention and reduces fetal urine output
What is oligohydramnios
a low level of amniotic fluid during pregnancy- less than the 5th centile for gestational age
causes of oligohydramnios
preterm rupture of the membranes
placental insufficiency
renal agenesis (potter’s syndrome)
non-functional fetal kidneys
genetic/chromosomal abnormalities
How is oligohydramnios diagnosed?
USS- amniotic fluid index less than 5th centile or maximum pool depth less than 2cm
If rupture of membranes can test for the presence of amniotic fluid in vagina (IGFBP-1 and PAMG-1)