Showing posts with label Uterine Rupture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Uterine Rupture. Show all posts

What are the most common causes of Antepartum Haemorrhage?

In obstetrics, Antepartum Haemorrhage (APH), also prepartum hemorrhage, is bleeding from the vagina during pregnancy from twenty four weeks gestational age to term.

It should be considered a medical emergency (regardless of whether there is pain) and medical attention should be sought immediately, as if it is left untreated it can lead to death of the mother and/or fetus.

Bleeding without pain is most frequently bloody show, which is benign; however, it may also be placenta previa (in which both the mother and fetus are in danger). Painful APH is most frequently placental abruption (which may also lead to adverse fetal and/or maternal outcomes).

Complicates close to 4% of all pregnancies and is a
MEDICAL EMERGENCY!

Common Causes:

- Placenta Previa (1/200)
- Placental Abruption (1/100)
-
Uterine Rupture (1%)
- Vasa Previa
- Coagulation Disorder
- Hemorrhoids
- Vaginal Lesion/Injury
- Cervical Lesion/Injury
- Neoplasia

The pregnancy in which such bleeding occurs remains at increased risk for a poor outcome even though the bleeding soon stops and placenta previa appears to have been excluded by sonography.

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Uterine Rupture

Uterine rupture is a very rare occurrence in pregnancies and childbirths. This is not something the average pregnant woman needs to worry about.

When it does occur it is usually due to a previous scar on the uterus from a cesarean or a traumatic event (such as knife wound).

Other possible causes for uterine ruptures:

  • Extremely strong contractions
  • Stretched out uterus (5 or more children or pregnancy with multiples)
  • Shoulder dystocia
  • Problems with placenta

Signs of Uterine Rupture:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Fast breathing (hyperventilation)
  • Restlessness
  • May have vaginal bleeding
  • Fetus is easier to feel through the abdomen
  • A ripping feeling

Treatment of Uterine rupture:

If the uterus ruptures during pregnancy or cesarean, an immediate cesarean will be performed. The uterus will be surgically repaired if possible or a hysterectomy will be performed.

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