what is placenta increta
severe complication where the placenta implants too deeply and its villi invade the muscular wall of the uterus (the myometrium), but don’t go all the way through it
usually no sx in pregnancy but can cause dangerous, life-threatening bleeding during childbirth and often requires a C-section, potentially followed by a hysterectomy
so only really realise it during childbirth
often suspected if pt has placental praevia or previous C section
placenta increta and accreta
Placenta accreta involves the placenta attaching too deeply to the uterine wall, while placenta increta occurs when the placenta invades further into the muscular layer of the uterus (myometrium).
what does a sudden collapse after Rom indicate
amniotic fluid embolism
RFs for amniotic fluid embolism
C section
induction of labour
placenta praevia
increasing maternal age
pre eclampsia
asthma
multiparty
signs / sx of amniotic fluid embolism
SOB
Chest pain
bleedings
chills/sweating
anxiety
hypoxia
hypertension
tachypnoea
cyanosis
bronchospasm
tachycardia
arrhythmia
MI
when does amniotic fluid embolism occur
And how does it present
during / after labour
can occur as a sudden collapse after ROM
how do you diagnose amniotic fluid embolism
Clinical diagnosis of exclusion
→ no definitive diagnostic tests
what would an ABG in amniotic fluid embolism show
hypoxaemia
raised PaCO2
management of amniotic fluid embolism
ABCDE + call ITU reg
A –> maintain patency
B –> high flow O2 +/- intubation
C —> 2 large bore cannulae + fluid resus
drugs –> ionotropics eg dopamine/dopabutamine/noradrenaline
(to improve heart contractility)
if haven’t already, consider delivery +/- hysterectomy
how is anaemia in pregnancy defined
Hb <110g/L
cut offs for oral iron therapy in 1st/2nd/3rd trimester/postpartum
First Trimester
<110g/L
Second/Third Trimester
<105g/L
Postpartum
<100g/L
4 causes of folate deficiency
pregnancy
phenytoin
methotrexate
alcohol excess
when are pregnant women screened for anaemia in multiple pregnancies
Booking clinic (8-12 weeks approx.)
20-24 weeks
28 weeks gestation
3 in total
when are pregnant women screened for anaemia in single pregnancies
Booking clinic (8-12 weeks approx.)
28 weeks gestation
2 in total
what does low MCV indicate
iron deficiency
what does raised MCV indicate
B12 or folate deficiency
iron prescription for iron deficiency in pregnancy
and when is it checked/followed up
oral ferrous sulphate
200mg 3 x per day
repeat FBC in 2 weeks to see if deficiency has been corrected
if it has, continue ferrous sulphate for 3 months to fully replenish iron supplies
what is given for low B12
IM hydroxycobalamin injections
or
oral cyanocobalamin tablets
what is the amount of folate all pregnant women should be taking, and until which week
folic acid 400mcg daily (until 12/40)
how much folic acid should pregnant women with a folate deficiency take
5mg daily
what are the indications of folate deficiency and need for 5mg daily rather than 400mcg
MORE H
Metabolic diseases (diabetes, coeliac)
Obesity (BMI >30)
Relative or personal history of neural tube defects
Epilepsy (on anti-epileptics)
Haemoglobinopathies
How do you deal with intrapartum anaemia? (3)
Deliver on labour ward
IV access and G&S (group & save)
Active management of 3rd stage of labour to prevent PPH (postpartum haemorrhage)
□ Give oxytocin to help uterus contract and expel placenta
□ Controlled cord traction to help deliver placenta
□ Immediate clamping and cutting of umbilical cord
3 complications of anaemia in pregnancy
Preterm baby
Postpartum depression
Spina bifida
main symptoms/signs of asthma in pregnancy
Tachypnoea
prolonged expiratory phase
polyphonic wheeze
hyperinflated chest