Pregnancy Clinical Sciences: Masses, Infections, and Obstetric Emergencies

Flashcards covering clinical pregnancy pathologies including gestational trophoblastic diseases, infections, acute obstetric emergencies, circulatory conditions, and nutritional deficiencies.

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD)

Abnormal fertilization leading to a tumor-like growth of placental tissue, including hydatidiform mole, invasive mole, metastatic mole, and partial mole.

Snowstorm appearance

The specific ultrasound finding used to diagnose Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD) alongside $\beta\text{-hCG} > 100,000\text{ mIU/mL}$.

Choriocarcinoma

A malignant transformation of trophoblastic cells with metastasis, often presenting with persistent uterine bleeding and lung metastasis (cough).

Rubella (German Measles)

A viral infection that can cause congenital rubella syndrome in neonates, characterized by cataracts, mental retardation, hearing loss, and heart defects.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS)

A bacterial infection in vaginal flora that can cause pneumonia, shock, meningitis, and sepsis in newborns; diagnosed via vaginal-rectal culture in the 3rd trimester.

Bacterial Vaginosis

A type of vaginal infection in pregnancy characterized by a fishy odor and thin white discharge.

Candidiasis

A type of vaginal infection in pregnancy characterized by thick white ‘cottage cheese’ discharge and itching.

Trichomoniasis

A type of vaginal infection in pregnancy characterized by green/yellow frothy discharge and pain.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Pregnancy

Bacterial infection of the urinary tract common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes and urinary stasis, presenting with dysuria, frequency, and urgency.

Sheehan’s Syndrome

Postpartum pituitary necrosis caused by severe postpartum hemorrhage leading to ischemic necrosis and hormonal deficiencies like $\text{failure to lactate}$ and $\text{↓ Prolactin (PRL)}$.

Placental Abruption

The premature separation of the placenta leading to hemorrhage and fetal hypoxia, characterized by dark, painful vaginal bleeding and uterine tenderness.

Pre-Eclampsia

A condition in pregnancy defined by hypertension ($BP > 140/90$) and proteinuria ($>0.3g/24h$), often presenting with severe headache and blurry vision.

Eclampsia

A condition defined as the occurrence of seizures in a patient with pre-eclampsia.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Implantation of an embryo outside the uterus (usually in the Fallopian tube), presenting with severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and potential shock.

Postpartum Hemorrhage

Blood loss greater than $500\text{ mL}$ within $24$ hours postpartum, potentially leading to hypotension and pale/cold skin.

Threatened Abortion

Minor vaginal bleeding before $20$ weeks with no tissue loss, where the cervix remains closed and the fetal heartbeat is present.

Missed Abortion

Fetal death occurring before $20$ weeks with no expulsion of tissue for more than $4$ weeks; the cervix remains closed.

Polyhydramnios

The presence of excess amniotic fluid ($>2L$), which can cause preterm labor or fetal malformations; diagnosed by an Amniotic Fluid Index ($AFI > 20$).

Postpartum Depression

A mood disorder following childbirth linked to hormonal changes and sleep deprivation, diagnosed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)

Painful loosening of the pubic symphysis due to hormonal and mechanical changes, causing pelvic pain and difficulty walking.

Hemorrhoids & Vulvar Varicosities

Swollen veins in the rectum and vulva due to increased venous pressure during pregnancy.

Varicose Veins

Vein dilation, usually in the legs, caused by increased pressure from the enlarged uterus; diagnosed by a positive Trendelenburg test.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Severe, persistent vomiting in pregnancy leading to ketonuria, electrolyte imbalance, and weight loss exceeding 5\text{%} of pre-pregnancy weight.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

Diabetes during pregnancy often leading to fetal macrosomia; diagnosed by fasting blood glucose $>126\text{ mg/dL}$ or OGTT $>200\text{ mg/dL}$.

Rh-Factor Incompatibility

A condition where an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus, leading the maternal immune system to attack fetal RBCs (Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn).

RhoGAM

Allopathic treatment administered at $28$ weeks and postpartum to prevent Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn in Rh-negative mothers.