Obstructed Labor Obstructed labour refers to failure of descent of the presenting part despite strong uterine contractions, often due to mechanical obstruction. It is a life-threatening obstetric emergency that can lead to uterine rupture, fetal death and maternal complications suchs…
Overview For a woman to delivery vaginally they need to have a pelvis that is adequate in size and shape. The best indicator of an adequate pelvis is good progress during labour. Even so, the pelvis can be assessed for…
Thrombophilia in Pregnancy Some women in pregnancy are 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 for the first time during pregnancy. The…
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…
Cord Polapse Umbilical cord prolapse is protrusion of the umbilical cord ahead of or alongside the presenting part of the fetus. Cord prolapse is a serious obstetric emergency**,** especially when it is visible (overt prolapse). The most common cause is…