Antepartum haemorrhage
General ConsiderationDefinition
is bleeding from the genital tract in pregnancy at ≥ 24 wks gestation before onset of labor
CAUSES OF APH
• Unexplained (79%)• Placenta previa ( 1%)
• Placental abruption (1%)
• Others (1%) including
• Maternal : incidental ( cervical erosion, ectropion) , local infection of cervix/ vagina , show , genital tract tumors , trauma , varicosities.
2- fetal : vasa previa
this occurs when fetal vessels run in membranes below the presenting partMay present with vaginal bleeding after rupture of fetal membranes followe by rapid fetal distress
Antepartum haemorrhage : assessment
by rapid assessment of maternal & fetal condition
History ( gestational age , amount of bleeding, associated factors coitus / trauma , abdominal pain , fetal movement , previous episode of bleeding in this pregnancy, previous uterine scar , leakage of fluid , smoker, position of placenta , previous obstetric hx)
Maternal assessment ; vital sign include BP, PULSE , oxygen saturation , urine output , other sign of haemo dynamic compression
Uterine palpation: size , tenderness , fetal lie, presenting part ( engaged or not )
Never do vaginal examination in the presence of vaginal bleeding without excluding placenta previa
Once exclude PP , speculum examination should do to assess degree of bleeding & possible local causes of bleeding
Fetal assessment
Establish weather a fetal heart can be heardSend mother for CBP, KLEIHAUER test , Blood group & cross match & coagulation screen & prepare 6 units of bloods
Placenta preaevia
The placenta is implanted ( wholly or in part) in the lower segment of the uterusMajor ( grade 3 & 4)
Minor ( grade 1& 2)
The bleeding is from maternal not fetal circulation & is more likely to comprise the mother than the fetus .
RISK FACTORS OF PP.
Multiple gestationPrevious uterine scar
Uterine structural anomaly
Assisted conception
Diagnosis.
U/S : transvaginal ultrasound is safe & more accurate than trans abdominal u/s in locating the placenta
treatment
• Rapid assessment of maternal & fetal condition• Resuscitation
• Woman with major PP who bled previously should admitted from 34 wks gestation
• If pat. With severe bleeding → C/S
• If moderate bleeding & G A ≥ 36 wks→ C/S
• BUT if GA ≤ 36 wks & immature lung then give pat. Decadron & tocolytic if stable condition → expectant mx
If unstable after resuscitation → C/S
IF MILD bleeding ≥36 wks & mature lung ( L/S ratio) →C/S & less than 36 wks expectant MXIf minor pp ≤ 2cm from internal os then C/S
Placental abruption
Placenta separates partly or completely from uterus before delivery of fetusTypes :
Concealed: blood accumulates behind placenta in uterine cavity. No external bleeding evident (≤20%)
Revealed : vaginal bleeding
Risk factors
• Hypertension
• Smoking
• Trauma to abdomen
• Anticoagulant therapy
• intrauterine growth restriction
• Polyhydramnios
• cocaine usage
Clinical presentation
Abdominal painSudden onset , constant & severe
Uterine contraction
Vaginal bleeding is usually dark & non – clotting
Uterus tender on palpation & later become hard ( woody)
Maternal signs of shock
Fetal distress is common & precedes fetal death
Coagulation disorder possibly DICRemember , extent of the maternal haemorrhage may be much than apparent vaginal loss
Diagnosis : clinically . Ultrasound use to confirm fetal wellbeing & exclude placenta previa
complication
Effect on the mother :
Hypovolaemic shock
DIC
Acute renal failure
feto-maternal Hge
Maternal mortality
Recurrence ( 10 %)
Effect on the fetus
Perinatal mortalityIUGR
management
AdmissionResuscitation
Immediate fetal well -being by CTG
Fetal distress or maternal compromise → resuscitate & deliver
No fetal distress & bleeding & pain cease →expectant MX till term