Breech presentation is when the buttocks or feet of the foetus descend into the birth canal first. It occurs in 3-4% of term pregnancies. Types of breech presentation Breech presentation Description Breech presentation The buttocks or sacrum present first, with or without…
Labour Care Guide The WHO Labour Care Guide (LCG) is a labour monitoring-to-action tool. It replaces the partograph by replacing the rigid assumption that all women should dilate at 1 cm Instead, it recognises that normal labour progression varies significantly…
Cardiac dysfunction in pregnancy may be due to exacerbation of pre-existing cardiac disease or may be a new cardiac disease triggered by the physiological changes of pregnancy. Physiological cardiovascular changes in pregnancy Parameter Change Cardiac output ↑ 20–50% Stroke volume ↑ ~25% in…
Multiple gestations refer to a pregnancy with more than one fetus. A twin pregnancy is when two fetuses develop in the uterus simultaneously. Multiple gestations are associated with a higher rate of almost every potential complication of pregnancy, excluding post-term delivery and…
Mastitis is a regional infection of the breast. It commonly occurs in lactating mothers due to bacterial infection and/or obstruction of the milk duct. It is a clinical diagnosis
Septic thrombophlebitis is characterised by a venous thrombus, inflammation of the vein, and pus formation. It can affect superficial or deep veins. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative organism. Septic thrombophlebitis is suspected when there is: Causes of septic thrombophlebitis Category/Vessel Causes Nota…
Atelectasis is the partial or complete collapse of a lung due to deflation of air in the alveoli. Types of atelectasis Type Description Obstructive atelectasis Due to blockage within the airways. It is also known as absorptive atelectasis. Non-obstructive atelectasis Due to pressure…
Uterotonics stimulate uterine contractions, compress uterine blood vessels, and reduce postpartum bleeding. They are the first-line treatment for uterine atony. Uterotonics Oxytocin Carbetocin Ergometrine Dinoprost Carboprost Misoprostol Uses Augmentation of labour and PPH Prevention of PPH PPH Severe PPH Severe PPH Mechanism…
Uterine atony is the absence of adequate uterine tone after delivery. Blood vessels in the endometrium and myometrium are insufficiently compressed, leading to haemorrhage. Uterine compression sutures Suture type Advantage Consideration B-lynch suture A single continuous suture that exerts even pressure. It…
Retained products of conception (RPOCs) are a common cause of both early and late postpartum haemorrhage.