Placental Problems Flashcards
What is meant by low-lying placenta?
What is placenta praevia?
When the placenta is implanted in the lower segment of the uterus (within 20mm of internal cervical os)
Placenta praevia is used only when the placenta is over the internal cervical os
How does placenta praevia present?
- Asymptomatic: identified at 20 week anomaly scan
- Symptomatic: painless PV bleeding
List the 3 main causes of antepartum haemorrhage
- Placenta praevia
- Placental abruption
- Vasa praevia
Describe the necessary monitoring and management for women with either low-lying placenta/placenta praevia diagnosed at the 20 week anomaly scan
Repeat TVUSS at:
- 32 weeks… if still there then repeat at
- 36 weeks
What is the definition of antepartum haemorrhage?
Vaginal bleeding from 24 weeks’ gestation up until delivery
What is placental abruption?
Where the placenta partially or fully separates from the uterine wall prematurely
What is the most significant risk factor for placental abruption?
Cocaine use
What are the symptoms and signs of placental abruption?
Symptoms:
- PAINFUL PV bleeding
Signs:
- ‘Woody’ uterus
Describe the management of placental abruption
- ABCDE assessment and investigations
- Emergency delivery (C section)
What is placenta accreta?
Placenta accreta describes the attachment of the placenta to the myometrium, due to a defective decidua basalis
Give a risk factor for placenta accreta
Previous C section
Placenta accreta increases the risk of…
PPH
