Spotting the Problem
A common cause of first-trimester bleeding, this condition results from a fertilized egg implanting outside the uterus.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the third trimester is the hallmark sign of this condition.
What is placenta previa?
The most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage, resulting from failure of the uterus to contract.
What is uterine atony?
Severe blood loss during pregnancy or delivery can lead to this condition, characterized by reduced oxygen delivery to organs and hypotension.
What is hemorrhagic shock?
The first-line treatment for postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony, involving uterine massage and administration of this medication.
What is oxytocin?
A type of early pregnancy loss characterized by an open cervix, bleeding, and possible passage of tissue.
What is an incomplete miscarriage (spontaneous abortion)?
Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, often associated with abdominal pain and dark vaginal bleeding.
What is placental abruption?
This retained pregnancy structure increases the risk of postpartum bleeding and infection.
What is retained placental tissue?
A postpartum complication where excessive blood loss leads to failure of lactation and permanent amenorrhea.
What is Sheehan’s syndrome?
This surgical procedure is performed in cases of severe placental abruption, fetal distress, or life-threatening maternal hemorrhage.
What is an emergency C-section?
A first-trimester condition where trophoblastic tissue overgrows abnormally, often leading to high hCG levels and vaginal bleeding.
What is a molar pregnancy (hydatidiform mole)?
This type of vasa previa occurs when fetal blood vessels cross the cervix and rupture, leading to fetal distress.
What is fetal vessel rupture (vasa previa)?
A serious obstetric emergency where the uterus turns inside out after delivery.
What is uterine inversion?
A condition where amniotic fluid enters the maternal circulation, leading to cardiovascular collapse and hemorrhage.
What is amniotic fluid embolism?
In cases of placenta previa, this is the preferred mode of delivery to prevent excessive bleeding.
What is a scheduled C-section?
This cause of first-trimester bleeding is associated with cervical changes but does not affect the fetus.
What is a cervical polyp or cervicitis?
A maternal condition that leads to severe hypertension and can result in placental abruption and bleeding.
What is preeclampsia or eclampsia?
A postpartum complication in which a high vaginal or cervical tear causes significant bleeding despite a firm uterus.
What is a genital tract laceration?
A maternal hematologic disorder in pregnancy, characterized by low platelets, elevated liver enzymes, and hemolysis.
What is HELLP syndrome?
A patient with HELLP syndrome may require this medication to prevent seizures and stabilize blood pressure.
What is magnesium sulfate?
A life-threatening first-trimester condition where the embryo implants within a cesarean section scar.
What is a cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy?
A rare but serious condition where the placenta abnormally attaches deep into the uterine wall, increasing hemorrhage risk during delivery.
What is placenta accreta?
A rare but severe postpartum complication where clotting factors are used up, leading to uncontrolled bleeding.
What is disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
Massive hemorrhage can cause this serious complication, leading to blood clotting dysfunction and excessive bleeding.
What is disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?
In cases of massive obstetric hemorrhage, this protocol involves rapid transfusion of red blood cells, platelets, and plasma to manage coagulopathy.
What is a massive transfusion protocol?