Abruptio placentae Abruptio placentae is premature separation of the placenta from the uterus. Abruption is difficult to pick up through ultrasound, but it is still done to rule out placenta and vasa previa. The preferable mode of delivery in case…
Placenta previa Placenta previa is a common condition in which the placenta lies in the lower segment of the uterus. The placenta may avulse from the uterine wall as the lower segment begins to stretch at 28 weeks, classically resulting…
Overview Gestational trophoblastic disease is the presence of abnormal tissue derived from fetal cells. These are also known as molar pregnancies or hydatidiform moles. hCG mimics TSH, LH and FSH Classification of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Classification Example Benign (75%) Complete…
Ectopic Pregnancy An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants somewhere other than the endometrial cavity (95% in the fallopian tubes of which 70% occur in the tubal ampulla). A clinical triad of abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding and a pelvic…
Abortion Miscarriage (abortion) is defined as termination of pregnancy before 24 weeks gestation OR when fetal weight is estimated to be < 500g. The most common cause of pregnancy loss in the first trimester is fetal genetic abnormalities (aneuploidies e.g.…
Overview Early pregnancy bleeding is per vaginal bleeding before viability (WHO < 20 weeks gestation date or < 500 g fetal weight) Approximately 25% of pregnancie s experience bleeding in the first trimester. Most women need to be reassured since…
Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) is the most common cause of respiratory distress in preterm neonates. It is caused by insufficient surfactant production at < 34 weeks of gestation. Antenatal steroids reduce the risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome by…
Overview Dehydration is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the body has insufficient water for normal functioning. Volume depletion refers to the loss of both electrolytes and water. Percentage of body weight composed of water according to age group Age…
Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement and posture due to a non-progressive brain injury or malformation, which results in permanent neurological damage. The most common cause is anoxic brain injury during the perinatal period or before 2 years of…
Refeeding syndrome is a group of clinical findings that is caused by fluid and electrolyte changes during nutritional rehabilitation of severely ill and malnourished patients. One common complication is severe hypophosphatemia. The most common cause of death in refeeding syndrome…