Disorders of Pregnancy & Childbirth

ectopic pregnancy

Obstruction in uterine tube → fertilized egg develops in tube; causes: salpingitis, PID, endometriosis

preeclampsia

Sudden BP increase after 20th week + edema + proteinuria; can lead to stroke, death

eclampsia

Preeclampsia + convulsions or coma; life-threatening for mother and fetus

oligohydramnios

Too little amniotic fluid; associated with birth defects, poor fetal growth

polyhydramnios

Too much amniotic fluid; causes maternal discomfort; associated with preterm delivery, placental problems

gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)

Decreased insulin production → hyperglycemia; increases preeclampsia risk for mother; neonatal hypoglycemia for baby

hyperemesis gravidarum

Persistent nausea + extreme vomiting → dehydration; requires hospital admission for IV fluids

teratogen

Agent that produces fetal deformities (alcohol, isotretinoin, valproic acid, rubella virus)

breech presentation

Buttocks present first (abnormal fetal position)

nuchal cord

Umbilical cord wrapped around baby's neck; occurs in ~20% of deliveries

respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)

Hyaline membrane disease; premature baby lungs lack surfactant → alveoli collapse

surfactant

Protein/lipid compound that prevents alveolar collapse

kernicterus

Bilirubin deposits in brain cause brain damage (from high bilirubin in premature infant)

meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS)

Baby passes meconium into amniotic fluid, inhales it → respiratory difficulty at birth

abortion

Expulsion of embryo/fetus before 20th week of gestation

spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)

Unplanned loss due to natural causes before 20 weeks

placenta abruption

Premature separation of placenta from uterine wall; OB emergency; cuts off baby's O₂ supply

placenta previa

Low-lying placenta between baby's head and internal os of cervix; causes severe bleeding during labor

retained placenta

Placenta/membranes remain in uterus 30-60 min after delivery → postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)