Sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections Infections spread through sexual contact with an infected partner During pregnancy, may place the woman at greater risk for problems because of potential effect of sexually transmitted…
Prolapsed umbilical cord
Prolapsed umbilical cord Descent of the umbilical cord into the vagina before the presenting part (see Umbilical cord prolapse, page 86) May occur any time after the membranes rupture, especially…
Premature rupture of membranes
Premature rupture of membranes Abbreviated PROM, membrane rupture 1 or more hours before the onset of labor Preterm PROM (PPROM): rupture of the membranes before the onset of labor in…
Postpartum hemorrhage
Postpartum hemorrhage Uterine blood loss in excess of 500 ml Classified as early, if the blood loss occurs during the first hour after delivery Classified as late, if the blood…
Premature labor
Premature labor Onset of rhythmic uterine contractions that produce cervical changes after fetal viability but before fetal maturity Usually occurs between 20 and 37 weeks’ gestation Fetal prognosis dependent on…
Polyhydramnios
Polyhydramnios Abnormally large amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus Normal amniotic fluid volume: from 500 to 1,000 ml at term Amniotic fluid volume with polyhydramnios: greater than 2,000 ml…
Placenta previa
Placenta previa Placental implantation in the lower uterine segment, encroaching on the internal cervical os Common cause of bleeding during the second half of pregnancy (in patients who develop placenta…
Oligohydramnios
Oligohydramnios Condition in which amniotic fluid volume is severely reduced (typically, the amount is less than 500 ml at term) and fluid is highly concentrated May result in prolonged, dysfunctional…
Multiple gestations
Multiple gestations Pregnancy involving more than one fetus (see Types of twins, page 72) Considered a complication of pregnancy because the woman’s body must adjust to the effects of the…
Isoimmunization
Isoimmunization Condition in which the pregnant woman is Rh negative but her fetus is Rh positive If left untreated, isoimmunization can lead to hemolytic disease in the newborn Before the…
