Malaria is caused by Plasmodium falciparum (mainly in Africa) and Plasmodium vivax (mainly in Asia). Pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria due to immunologic changes and placental sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Primigravidas have a higher prevalence of placental malaria, especially in areas with stable transmission, i.e. endemic regions. Population…
Obstructed labour is when the presenting part fails to descend despite strong uterine contractions. It is an obstetric emergency. Diagnosis of obstructed labour Component required for diagnosis Features Prolonged labour More than 12 – 24 hours of labour with strong, frequent…
Overview Pelvimetry is the measurement of the bony dimensions of the birth canal to determine whether vaginal delivery is possible. A pelvis with an adequate size and shape is required for vaginal delivery. The best indicator of an adequate pelvis is good progress…
Some pregnant mothers can be predisposed to thrombosis through genetic or acquired changes in their coagulation or fibrinolytic system. Many patients are usually asymptomatic to begin with, and manifest symptoms of thrombophilia for the first time during pregnancy. The most common…
Chorioamnionitis Chorioamnionitis is an ascending bacterial infection with resultant inflammation of any combinaito nof the amniotic fluid, placenta, fetus, fetal membranes or decidua. It is a common cause of maternal fever, and major complication of PPROM and prolonged ROM. The…
Endometritis Endometritis is an ascending polymicrobial infection of the uterine lining, which may progress to invade the underlying wall (endomyometritis). It is the most common cause of postpartum fever. It is more common after caesarean delivery, but can occur after…
Bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy Bacterial vaginosis is the most common lower genital tract infection in women of reproductive age. It is caused by Gardnerella vaginalis. The exact mechanism is unknown, but it likely due to disturbance of the vaginal flora.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in pregnancy UTI in pregnancy is commonly caused by an ascending infection of the urinary tract from existing gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract flora. It is defined as the presence of ≥ 100,000 organisms/mL of urine if…
Group B Streptococcal (GBS) Colonization Group B strep aka Streptococcus agalactiae is a gram positive commensal bug of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract in up to 30% of asymptomatic adults – hence the need for universal screening for GBS in…
Shoulder dystocia Shoulder dystocia occurs when there is impaction of the anterior shoulder behind the maternal pubic symphisis. It is an obstetric emergency A diagnosis of shoulder dystocia can be made when the body fails to delivery within 1 minute…