EARLY PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS

Loss of a pregnancy during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, at a time that the fetus cannot survive.

Such a loss may be involuntary (a "spontaneous" abortion), or it may be voluntary ("induced" or "elective" abortion).

Miscarriage is the term used for spontaneous abortion, an unexpected 1st trimester pregnancy loss.

These include: 1.Threatened 2.Inevitable 3.Incomplete 4.Complete 5.Septic

Such losses are common, occurring in about one out of every 6 pregnancies.

These losses are unpredictable and unpreventable.

About 2/3 are caused by chromosome abnormalities.

About 30% are caused by placental malformations and are similarly not treatable.

The remaining miscarriages are caused by miscellaneous factors but are not usually associated with:

Minor trauma Intercourse Medication Too much activity

Following a miscarriage, the chance of having another miscarriage with the next pregnancy is about 1 in 6.

Spontaneous abortion (also known as miscarriage) is the expulsion of an embryo or fetus due to accidental trauma or natural causes before approximately the 22nd week of gestation; the definition by gestational age varies by country.[

Most miscarriages are due to incorrect replication of chromosomes; they can also be caused by environmental factors

A pregnancy can be intentionally aborted in many ways. The manner selected depends chiefly upon the gestational age of the embryo or fetus, which increases in size as the pregnancy progresses.

Specific procedures may also be selected due to legality, regional availability, and doctor-patient preference. Reasons for procuring induced abortions are typically characterized as either therapeutic or elective.

Therapeutic abortion when it is performed to:1. save the life of the pregnant woman2. preserve the woman's physical or mental health3. terminate pregnancy that would result in a child

born with a congenital disorder that would be fatal or associated with significant morbidity or selectively reduce the number of fetuses to lessen health risks associated with multiple pregnancy.

An elective abortion:When it is performed at the request of

the woman "for reasons other than maternal health or fetal disease.

A threatened abortion means the woman has experienced symptoms of bleeding or cramping.

At least one-third of all pregnant women will experience these symptoms.

Half will abort spontaneously. The other half , bleeding and crampingwill

disappear and the remainder of the pregnancy will be normal.

These women who go on to deliver their babies at full term can be reassured that the bleeding in the first trimester will have no effect on the baby and that you expect a full-term, normal, healthy baby.

1.  History Mild vaginal bleeding. No abdominal pain or

mild abdominal pain 2. Examination Good general

condition. The cervix is closed

The uterus is usually the correct size for date

3. U/S which is essential for the diagnosis Showed the presence of fetal heart activity

1. Reassurance If fetal heart activity is present, > 90% of cases will be progressed satisfactorily

2. Advice: Decrease physical activity (bed rest is of no therapeutic value) avoid intercourse

3. Hormones i.e. Progesterone & hCG Which are used in the first trimester to support pregnancy, (but they are of no proven value)

4. Anti- D: An adequate dose of anti-D should be given to all Rh –ve,non-immunised patients, whose husbands are Rh +ve

5. ANC as high risk patients Because those patients are liable to late pregnancy complications such as APH and preterm labour .

A condition in which:Vaginal bleeding has been profuse The cervix has become dilatedAbortion will invetably occur.

1. History Heavy vaginal bleeding. with no passage of products

conception (inevitable) with the passage of products of

conception (incomplete abortion)Severe lower abdominal pain which

follows the bleeding

2. Examinations Poor general condition. The cervix is dilating and products of

conception may be passing trough the os

The uterus may be the correct size for date (inevitable abortion) or small for date (incomplete abortion)

3. U/S Fetal heart activity may or may not present in inevitable abortion or retained products of conception ( RPOC ) in incomplete abortion

1. CBC , blood grouping , XM 2 units of blood

2. Resuscitation large IV line, fluids & blood transfusion

3. Oxytoxic drugs Ergometrine 0.5 mg IM + Oxytocin infusion (20-40 units in 500 cc saline)

4. Evacuation & curettage. 5. Post-abortion management.

1. History Heavy vaginal bleeding which has

been stopped. lower abdominal pain which follows the

bleeding which has been stopped.2. Examination

The cervix is closed 3. U/S

showed empty uterine cavity or PROP

1. - Evacuation & curettage in the presence of RPOC.

2. Post-abortion management.

Retention of products for several weeks

No increase in fundal heightAbsence of FHTRegressions of signs of pregnancyLoss of wight

1. Most of missed abortions are diagnosed accidentally during routine U/S in early pregnancy .

In some cases there may be a history of : Episodes of mild vaginal bleeding Regression of early symptoms of pregnancy . Stop of fetal movements after 20 weeks

gestation.

2. Examination The uterus may be small for date

3. U/S (which is essential for diagnosis ) diagnosed if two ultrasound ( T/V or T/A) at least 7days apart showed an embryo of > 7 weeks gestation ( CRL > 6mm in diameter and gestational sac > 20 mm in diameter ) with no evidence of heart activity .

1. CBC , blood grouping 2. Platelets count, to exclude the

risk of DICNB : DIC does not occur before 5

weeks of missed abortion or IUFD and if occurred will be of mild grade

3.Options of treatment Conservative treatment: if left alone spontaneous

expulsion will occur Surgical evacuation of the uterus; by D & C:

Indicated in 1st trimester missed abortion Medical termination of pregnancy: by Misoprostol (PGE1) Cytotec: Indicated in 1st & 2nd trimesters missed

abortions. Cytotec vaginal ( is the best) or oral tab. 200 μg, 2 tab/ 3 hrs/

up to 5 doses daily, which can be repeated next day if there is no response in the first day

Subsequent surgical evacuation is needed in cases of RPOC The main side effects of cytotec are nausea, vomiting and

fever. 

4.Post-abortion management.

It is due to an early death and resorption of the embryo with the persistence of the placental tissue

It is diagnosed if two ultrasound ( T/V or T/A) at least 7 days apart showed after 7 weeks of gestation i.e. gestational sac > 20mm , an empty gestational sac with no fetal echoes seen .

It is treated in a similar way to missed abortion .

Spontaneous or induced termination of a pregnancy in which the mother's life may be threatened because of the invasion of germs into the endometrium, myometrium, and beyond.

The woman requires immediate and intensive care

Massive antibiotic therapy Evacuation of the uterus Emergency hysterectomy to prevent death from

overwhelming infection and septic shock.

1. Haemorrhage .2. Complication related to surgical evacuation ie

E&C and D&C. Uterine perforation- which may lead to rupture uterus

in the subsequent pregnancy. Cervical tear & excessive cervical dilatation – which

may lead to cervical incompetence. Infection – which may lead to infertility & Asherman's

syndrome. Excessive curettage – which may lead to

Adenomyosis3.  Rh- iso immunisation if the anti –D is not given or

if the dose is inadequate .4. Psychological trauma .

In cases of incomplete, inevitable, complete, missed & septic abortions

1.Support: from the husband, family& obstetric staff

2.Anti D – to all Rh –ve, nonimmunised patients, whose husbands are Rh+ve

3. Counseling & explanation:A.Contraception (Hormonal,

IUCD, Barrier) Should start immediately after abortion if the patient choose to wait , because ovulation can occur 14 days after abortion and so pregnancy can occur before the expected next period .

3. Counseling & explanation:B.When can try again : Best to wait for 3 months before trying

again . This time allow to regulate cycles and to know the LMP, to give folic acid, and to allow the patient to be in the best shape (physically and emotionally) for the next pregnancy

C.Why has it happened In the fiIn the majority of cases there is no

obvious causeIn the first trimester abortion , the most

common cause is fetal chromosomal abnormality

3.Counseling & explanation:D. Can it happen again As the commonest cause is the fetal

chromosomal abnormality which is not a recurrent cause , so the chance of successful pregnancy next time in the absence of obvious cause is very high even after 2 or 3 abortions

E. Not to feel guilty as it is extremely unlikely that anything the patient did can cause abortion

No evidence that intercourse in early pregnancy is harmful

No evidence that bed rest will prevent it ..

Definition : Is defined as 3 or more consecutive

spontaneous abortions It may presented clinically as any of other types

of abortions .

 Types : Primary : All pregnancies have ended in loss Secondary : One pregnancy or more has

proceeded to viability(>24 weeks gestation) with all others ending in loss

Incidence : occurs in about 1% of women of reproductive

age .

Causes Idiopathic recurrent abortion, in about 50%,

in which no cause can be found . The known causes include the followings :

1.Chromosomal disorders:

Fetal chromosomal abnormalities & structural abnormalities

Parental balanced translocation

2. Anatomical disorders: Cervical incompetence: →congenital and aquired Uterine causes: → submucous fibroids, uterine

anomalies & Asherman’s syndrome  

Causes3. Medical disorders: Endocrine disorders : diabetes , thyroid disorders ,

PCOS & corpus luteum insufficiency . Immunological disorders : Anticardiolipin syndrome

& SLE. Thrombophilia: congenital deficiency of Protein

C&S and antithrombin III, & presence of factor V leiden. Infections

ToRCH - CMV may be a cause of recurrent abortion, but ToRH are not causes of recurrent abortion.

Genital tract infection e.g Bacterial vaginosis

Rh – isoimmunization

Diagnosis : 1.History :

Previous abortions : gestational age and place of abortions & fetal abnormalities.

Medical history : DM , thyroid disorders, PCOS, autoimmune diseases & thrombophilia.

2.Examination : General : weight , thyroid & hair distribution Pelvic: cervix ( length & dilatation ) and uterine

size.

Diagnosis : 3.investigations :

A. Investigations for medical disorders: Blood grouping & indirect Coomb’s test in Rh –ve

women Endocrinal screening: Blood sugar , TFT & LH /FSH ratio Immunological screening: Anti anticardiolipine

antibodies & lupus inhibitor. Thrombophilia screening: Protein C & S, antithrombin III

levels, factor V leiden, APTT and PT. Infection screening

High vaginal & cervical swabs ToRCH profile ( which scientifically is not

necessary )

Diagnosis : 3.investigations :

B. Investigations for anatomical disorders: TV/US: fibroids, cervical incompetence & PCOS. Hystroscopy or HSG, fibroids, cervical incompetence,

uterine anomalies & Asherman's syndromeC. Investigations for chromosomal disorders: Parental karyotyping: Parental balanced translocation. Fetal karyotyping: Fetal chromosomal anomalies.

Management: 3.in idiopathic recurrent abortion.With support and good antenatal care , the chance of successful spontaneous pregnancy is about 60-70%

Support : from husband, family & obstetric staff. Advice : stop smoking & alcohol intake, decrease

physical activity Tender loving care Drug therapy

• Progesterone & hCG: start from the luteal phase & up to 12 weeks.•Low dose aspirin ( 75 mg/day ) start from the diagnosis of pregnancy & up to 37 weeks •LMWH (20-40 mg/day) start from the diagnosis of fetal heart activity & up to 37 ws

Management: 3.In the presence of a cause treatment is

directed to control the cause Endocrine disorders

• Control DM and thyroid disorders before pregnancy• Ovulation induction drugs , ovarian drilling or IVF in PCOS.• Progesterone or hCG in corpus luteum insufficiency .

:In anti-cardiolipin syndrome: • Low dose aspirin ( 75 mg/day ) & prednisilone ( 20-30 mg /

day), starting when pregnancy is diagnosed till 37 weeks.• These drugs are not teratogenic.

Management: In thrombophilia:

• Low dose aspirin ( 75 mg/day) starting when pregnancy is diagnosed and low molecular weight heparin ie LMWH ( 20-40 mg/day) starting when fetal heart activity diagnosed & to continue both till 37 weeks .

In uterine disorders • Cervical cerclage in cervical incompetence, best time at

the 14 weeks of pregnancy.• Myomectomy in submucus fibroid, excision of uterine

septum in septate & subseptate uterus & adhesolysis in Asherman's syndrome.

Management: In infection:: treatment of the genital tract infection. In Rh isoimmunization: Repeated intrauterine

transfusion In parental balanced translocation

• Explain the risk of fetal chromosomal disorders ( about 30% )

• Encourage to try again or adoption.

Definition : It is a clinical term used to indicate three closely related conditions characterized by active abnormal proliferation of trophoblastic cells : :

hydatidiform mole ,invasive hydatidiform mole and Choriocarcinoma

These neoplasm's retain certain characteristic of the normal placenta such as invasive tendencies and the ability to make hCG hormone

Pathological classification : Hydatidiform mole = 80 % of cases. Invasive mole =12-15% of cases. Choriocarcenoma=5-8% of cases. Clinical classification : The course, and prognosis

of the disease accurately reflected by hCG hormone

Benign = 80% Malignant=20%

The hydatidiform mole incidence ranges from 1 in 522 pregnancies in Japan

To 1 in 1500 pregnancies in USA,and Sweden, this variation is not understood, but ethnic factors have been suggested .

The incidence is higher in the poorest socioeconomic classes than the semiprivate(4 times), and (8 times) than the privet , and these mostly related to diet especially protein deficiency .

The maternal age over 40 years found to have a 5.2-fold increased risk of trophoblastic disease in compression to the mothers below the age of 35 years.

Hydatidiform mole can be subdivided into:

complete and partial mole

Based on:1.Genetic and 2.Histopathological features

Genetic features: One of the most remarkable discoveries about hydatidiform mole has been the demonstration that complete moles have chromosomes exclusively from the paternal side ,and the karyotype is nearly always 46,xx and only rarely is 46,XY observed.

The normal mechanism is for a haploid sperm,23X,to fertilize an empty egg, and to duplicate itself to form a 46,XX complement. Much less commonly ,two spermatozoa, one being 23,X, and the other,23,Y, can fertilize an empty egg, to give karyotype a 46,XY.

Are triploid in origin with two sets of paternal haploid genes and one set of maternal haploid genes

They occur, in almost all cases, following dispermic fertilization of an ovum.

There is usually evidence of a fetus or fetal red blood cells

In the partial moles ,the normal finding is a triploid karyotype ,69 chromosomes instead of normal 46. The most common mechanism appears to be fertilization of normal egg by two sperm, giving a complement of 69,XXY.

Complete mole : there are numerous edematous

vesicles, which looks like a bunch of small clear grapes,

; usually no fetus, or membranes.,

microscopically: there are: large oedematous enlarged villi , a vascular , with variable degree of trophoblastic hyperplasia. carries greater risk of malignancy and requires

longer follow up than the partial mole.

Partial mole: Shows a less clear -cut picture ,with

the formation of vesicles usually focal ,fetus and membranes may present, the vesicles have degree of vascularity.

In general ,the more active trophoblastic appearance the greater the risk of malignancy.

So the subsequent management depends more on the hCG results than the histological reports.

Bleeding : Bleeding in early pregnancy after variable period of amenorrhea is the most common clinical sign of the mole (occurs in 90% of cases), with the passage of the vesicles.

Hyperemesis gravidarum : Occurs into 25% of cases of moles ,and appears more common when the uterus is much enlarged and hCG levels are very high.

Uterine enlargement: The uterus is commonly “large for date”in 50% of case of moles ,

although, in a small proportion of cases the uterus corresponding to the gestational age or smaller than date.

The uterus having a doughy consistency. The fetal parts are not palpable, and fetal

heart is absent.

Large theca lutein cysts of the ovary are present in “20%”of moles , these may be exaggerated the clinical picture of large for date uterus. These cysts are manifestation of excessive hCG.

Pre-eclampsia :Occur in association with the moles with range widely from 12-54%,these due to differing times of diagnosis, the longer pregnancy progresses ,the greater chance to developing pre-eclampsia. If the signs of pre-eclampsia appears early in pregnancy , the possibility of hydatidiform mole should be looked for with out delay.

Hyperthyrodism: Develop in small proportion of women ,and this may be due to thyrotrophic effects of the human chorionic thyrotrophin , which may lead to goitre,fine tremor ,supra-ventricular tachycardia, and weight loss.

DIC can develop in long-standing hydatidiform moles , when there is embolization of trophoblastic tissue to the lung, leads to thromboplastic substances which stimulate fibrin,and platelet deposition.

History and examination : From the history of amenorrhea ,passage of vesicles vaginally with bleeding ;the size and consistency of the uterus.

The increasing use of ultrasound in early pregnancy has probably led to the earlier diagnosis of molar pregnancy

By the U/S examination can be diagnosed from very early pregnancy ,characterized by “Snow-storm" appearance.

By very high levels of serum hCG than the normal singleton pregnancy ,which is diagnostic and prognostic to the course of the disease ,with very short dappling time.

The risks of hydatidiform mole are: Immediate hemorrhage ,sepsis, or pre-

eclampsia; the treatment of these conditions has vastly improved recently.

Molar metastases : Of a non proliferative ”benign” type

can occur.

Choriocarcinoma: The most important danger association with the hydatidiform mole is the development of malignant GTD(Invasive mole or choriocarcinoma) in about 10% of cases,

Definition: Implantation outside uterine cavity Most common site is within fallopian tube

98%, in the distal ampulla than in the proximal isthmus, followed by corneal 2% and abdominal1.4%, ovarian 0.15% and cervical os 0.15%

Incidence: I in 100 of all pregnancies and to 1 in 30 in high risk population arising in the west in parallel with number of cases of chlamydia infection

Previous PID – chlamydia infection Previous ectopic pregnancy Tubal ligation Previous tubal surgery Intrauterine device Prolonged infertility Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure in-utero Multiple sexual partners

THE OUTCOME OF ECTOPIC PREGNANCY The muscle wall of the tube has not the

capacity of uterine muscles for hypertrophy and distention and tubal pregnancy nearly always end in rupture and the death of the ovum.

Tubal abortion – usually in ampullary about 8 weeks – forming pelvic haematocele

Rupture into the peritoneal cavity▪ Occur mainly from the narrow isthmus before 8

weeks or later from the interstitial portion of the tube. Haemorrhage is likely to be severe.

▪ Sometimes rupture is extraperitoneal between the leaves of the broad ligament – Broad ligament haematoma. Haemorrhage is likely to be controlled

Tubal pregnancy – effect on uterus

The uterus enlarge in first 3 months as if the implantation were normal, reach the size of a gravid uterus of the same maturity.

Uterine decidua grows abundantly and when the embryo dies bleeding occurs as the decidua degenerates due to effect of oestrogen withdrawal.

Clinical Finding: Variable - Early diagnosis

- location of the implantation - Whether rupture has occurred

Classic symptom trait with unruptured ectopic pregnancy:

Amenorrhoea, abdominal pain, abnromal vagina bleeding

Classic signs – adnexal or cervical motion

tenderness. With ruptured ectopic pregnancy, finding parallel

with the degree of internal bleeding and hypovolemia – abdominal guarding and rigidity, shoulder pain and fainting attacks and shock.

Symptoms and Signs: Pain – constant

- Cramp-like- It may be referred to the shoulder if blood tracks

to the diaphragm and stimulate the phernic nerve and it may be severe as to cause fainting.

- The pain caused by the distension of the gravid tube by its effort to contract and expel the ovum and by irritation of the peritoneum, by leakage of blood.

- Vaginal bleeding – occur usually after death of the ovum and is an effect of oestrogen withdrawal. It is dark, scanty and its irregularity may lead the patient to confuse it with the menstrual flow and give misleading history. 25% of cases presents without any vaginal bleeding

Cont.- Internal blood loss – severe and rapid. The

usual sign of collapse and chock and it is less common than the condition presenting by slow trickle of blood into the pelvic cavity.

- Peritoneal irritation – muscle guarding - frequency of micturation - fever

- misleading of appendicitis- Pelvic examination – extreme tenderness

- cystic mass may be felt- Abdominal - tenderness in one or other fossa.

- General tenderness and resistance to palpation over whole abdomen.

Differential diagnosis:1. Salpingitis2. Abortion3. Appendecitis4. Torsion of pedicle of ovarian cyst5. Rupture of corpus luteum or

follicular cyst6. Perforation of peptic ulcer.

Diagnosis:Diagnosis:-- Careful history about LMP its timing Careful history about LMP its timing and and appearance.appearance.-- Always think of tubal pregnancy Always think of tubal pregnancy women with women with lower abdomen pain in lower abdomen pain in whom there is possibility whom there is possibility of of pregnancy should be regarded as having pregnancy should be regarded as having an an ectopic until proved otherwise.ectopic until proved otherwise.

-- Pregnancy test nearly always be Pregnancy test nearly always be found by the time found by the time of clinical of clinical presentation.presentation.-- Ultrasound to exclude intrauterine Ultrasound to exclude intrauterine pregnancypregnancy-- Laparoscopy: for identifying an Laparoscopy: for identifying an unruptured tubal unruptured tubal pregnancy which is pregnancy which is producing equivocal producing equivocal symptoms and symptoms and for exclude salpingitis and for exclude salpingitis and bleeding bleeding from small ovarian cyst.from small ovarian cyst.-- For operative treatment using For operative treatment using minimally invasive minimally invasive methods.methods.

Treatment:Treatment: If haemorrhage and shock presentIf haemorrhage and shock present

Restore blood volume by the transfusion of Restore blood volume by the transfusion of red cells or volume expanderred cells or volume expander

Proceed with LaparotomyProceed with Laparotomy The earlier diagnosis of tubal The earlier diagnosis of tubal

pregnancy has allowed a more pregnancy has allowed a more conservative approach to conservative approach to management where the tube is less management where the tube is less damage.damage.

Pregnancy removed from the tube by Pregnancy removed from the tube by laparoscopy (salpingostomy) hopefully laparoscopy (salpingostomy) hopefully retaining tubal function.retaining tubal function.

Trophoblast destroyed by Trophoblast destroyed by chemotherapeutic agent such as chemotherapeutic agent such as methotrexatemethotrexate

DIAGNOSIS: BHCG level TVU

Medical Managment Methotrexate 1 mg/kg body weight

Indicationss: Haemodynamically stable, no active bleeding, No

haemoperitneum, minimal bleeding and no pain No contra indication to methotrexate Able to return for follow up for several weeks Non laparoscopic diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy General anaesthesia poses a significant risk Unruptured adenexal mass < 4cm in size by scan No cardiac activity by scan

If sure of date of LMP and /or Regular cycle, i.e. >6 wks. gestation,

Arrange TV ultrasound

If unsure of date of LMP and /or irregular cycle,Measure serum hCG

If hCG <100 (?early Intrauterine/? Ectopic pregnancy

If Hcg >1000, useprotocol forsuspected

Ectopic pregnancy

3. Empty uterus + free fluid in POD + adnexal + FH serum hCG > 1000

Meet criteria for Methorexate treatment

Does not meet criteria for methotrexate treatment

Use methotrexateprotocol

Laproscopic /salpingotomy/Salpingectomy ?Proceed to

laparotomy OR Laparotomy if haemodynamically unstable