Common physiological changes in preg
Also: changes in oxidative enzymes in liver; Increased GFR in kidneys
Types of antepartum haemorrhage
Rare:
- Vasa Previa
- Uterine rupture
Can also be from DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. But 50% of time cause = unkown
Small could be: cervical ectropion
Placental abruption
Sudden detachment of placenta from uterine wall causing bleeding (usually comes out through vagina) and continuous severe abdo pain
- can cause hypovolemic shock
- can see CTG (cardiotocography) changes: shows fetal distress
What is suggestive of a large antepartum haemorrhage on abdo exam
Abdo feels ‘woody’ on palpation
Stages of severity of antepartum haemorrhage
Dx of Antepartum haemorrhage
Diagnosed via clinical presentation.
Be aware of CONCELED HAEMORRHAGE where cervical os remains closed so vaginal bleeding is disproportionate to uterine bleeding.
Acute Mx of major/massive antepartum haemorrhage
Non-acute management of antepartum haemorrhage
RFx for placental abruption
Placental praevia
placenta is over the internal cervical os -> some vaginal bleeding
Placental abruption vs praevia
Abruption is painful and there is fetal distress. Patients may be shocked.
Praevia is painless but increases in severity and frequency over time. Fetus is often breech/transverse. Don’t do vaginal exam.
Types of placental abnormalities (placenta accreta spectrum)
Caused by abnormal decidualisation from defective endometrial-myometrial interface - usually due to scars
Vasa previa
Malformation of umbilical vessels resulting in them running through PLACENTAL membrane instead of umbilical cord AND passing on/near internal cervical os (uncommon)
Px as - brisk PAINLESS bleeding on rupture of amniotic membrane with FOETAL DISTRESS
These vessels can rupture without a ROM too which leads to the foetus bleeding out + intrauterine haemorrhage
Picked up antenatally on USS OR as bleed post SROM (check with VE - can feel vessels)
Uterine rupture Px
Sudden PAIN + PV BLEEDING
Sudden STOP IN CONTRACTIONS and foetal distress on CTG
Hypotension, Tachycardia, possible collapse
gynae causes of antepartum bleeding
Cervical polyps/Cancer
Miscarriage
Early: spontaneous termination before 12wks gestation
Late = 12-24wks
Types of miscarriage
Missed miscarriage + management
Threatened miscarriage
Painless uterine bleeding but cervix is closed. Fetus is still alive at first.
Inevitable miscarriage
Heavy bleeding with clots and pain
Cervical os is open
Incomplete miscarriage
Pain and vaginal bleeding through open cervical os but not all products of conception have been expelled
Dx of miscarriage
Mx of miscarriage
What happens in stage 1 of labour
From onset till full dilation - 3 phases: