Chapter 14 Obstetrics

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Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

© 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ

Topics

The Prenatal Period General Assessment of the Obstetric Patient General Management of the Obstetric Patient Complications of Pregnancy The Puerperium Abnormal Delivery Situations Other Delivery Complications Maternal Complications of Labor and Delivery Bledsoe et al.,

Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

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The Prenatal Period

The prenatal period is the time from conception until delivery of the fetus.

Bledsoe et al.,

Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

© 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ

Bledsoe et al.,

Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

© 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ

Anatomy and Physiology of the Obstetric Patient

Placenta —organ of pregnancy Afterbirth child —placenta and membranes that are expelled from uterus after the birth of a Umbilical cord —structure that connects fetus and placenta Amniotic sac —membranes that surround and protect the developing fetus Amniotic fluid —clear watery fluid that surrounds and protects the developing fetus Bledsoe et al.,

Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

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Bledsoe et al.,

Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

© 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ

Physiologic Changes of Pregnancy

(1 of 2) Reproductive System – Uterus increases in size.

– Vascular system.

– Formation of mucous plug in cervix.

– Estrogen causes vaginal mucosa to thicken.

– Breast enlargement. Respiratory System – Progesterone causes a decrease in airway resistance.

– Increase in oxygen consumption.

– Increase in tidal volume.

– Slight increase in respiratory rate.

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Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

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Physiologic Changes of Pregnancy

(2 of 2) Cardiovascular System – Cardiac output increases.

– Blood volume increases.

– Supine hypotension.

Gastrointestinal System – Hormone levels.

– Peristalsis is slowed.

Urinary System – Urinary frequency is common.

Musculoskeletal System – Loosened pelvic joints.

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Fetal Developmental Milestones

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Fetal Circulation

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Fetal Blood Supply

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General Assessment of the Obstetric Patient

(1 of 3) Initial Assessment History —SAMPLE – EDC – Pre-existing Medical Conditions Diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, seizure – Pain – Vaginal Bleeding – Labor Bledsoe et al.,

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General Assessment of the Obstetric Patient

(2 of 3) Physical Examination – Asses fundal height to determine gestation.

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General Management of the Obstetric Patient

(3 of 3) Do not perform an internal vaginal examination in the field.

Always remember that you are caring for two patients, the mother and the fetus.

ABC; monitor for shock.

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Complications of Pregnancy

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Trauma

Transport all trauma patients at 20 weeks or more gestation. Anticipate the development of shock.

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Trauma Management

Apply c-collar for cervical stabilization and immobilize on a long backboard.

Administer high-flow, high concentration oxygen.

Initiate two large-bore IVs per protocol.

Place patient tilted to the left to minimize supine hypotension.

Reassess patient.

Monitor the fetus.

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Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

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Medical Conditions

Any pregnant patient with abdominal pain should be evaluated by a physician.

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Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

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Causes of Bleeding During Pregnancy

Abortion Ectopic Pregnancy Placenta Previa Abruptio Placentae Bledsoe et al.,

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Abortion

Termination of pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation.

Different classifications.

Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, backache, and vaginal bleeding.

Treat for shock.

Provide emotional support.

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Ectopic Pregnancy

(1 of 2) Assume that any female of childbearing age with lower abdominal pain is experiencing an ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy is life-threatening. Transport the patient immediately.

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Ectopic Pregnancy

(2 of 2) Bledsoe et al.,

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Placenta Previa

(1 of 2) Usually presents with painless bleeding.

Never attempt vaginal exam.

Treat for shock.

Transport immediately —treatment is delivery by c-section.

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Placenta Previa

(2 of 2) Bledsoe et al.,

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Abruptio Placentae

(1 of 2) Signs and symptoms vary.

Classified as partial, severe, or complete.

Life-threatening.

Treat for shock; fluid resuscitation.

Transport in left lateral recumbent position.

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Abruptio Placentae

(2 of 2) Bledsoe et al.,

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Medical Complications of Pregnancy

Hypertensive Disorders Supine Hypotensive Syndrome Gestational Diabetes Bledsoe et al.,

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Hypertensive Disorders

Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Chronic Hypertension Chronic Hypertension Superimposed with Preeclampsia Transient Hypertension Bledsoe et al.,

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Supine Hypotensive Syndrome

(1 of 2) Also known as vena caval syndrome.

Treat by placing patient in the left lateral recumbent position, or elevate right hip. Monitor fetal heart tones and maternal vital signs.

If volume is depleted, initiate an IV of normal saline.

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Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

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Supine Hypotensive Syndrome

(2 of 2) Bledsoe et al.,

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Gestational Diabetes

Consider hypoglycemia when encountering a pregnant patient with altered mental status.

Signs include diaphoresis and tachycardia.

If blood glucose is below 60 mg/dl, draw a red top tube of blood, start IV-NS, and give 25 grams of D50.

If blood glucose is above 200 mg/dl, draw a red top tube of blood, and administer 1 –2 liters NS by IV per protocol.

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Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

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Braxton-Hicks Contractions

False labor that increases in intensity and frequency but does not cause cervical changes Bledsoe et al.,

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Preterm Labor

Maternal Factors – Cardiovascular disease, renal disease, diabetes, uterine and cervical abnormalities, maternal infection, trauma, contributory factors Placental Factors – Placenta previa – Abruptio placentae Fetal Factors – Multiple gestation – Excessive amniotic fluid – Fetal infection Bledsoe et al.,

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The Puerperium

The time period surrounding the birth of the fetus Bledsoe et al.,

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Stage One (Dilation) Stage Two (Expulsion) Stage Three (Placental Stage)

Labor

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Management of a Patient in Labor

Transport the patient in labor unless delivery is imminent.

Maternal urge to push or the presence of crowning indicates imminent delivery.

Delivery at the scene or in the ambulance will be necessary.

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Deciding upon delivery or transport can be a difficult decision.

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Field Delivery

Set up delivery area.

Give oxygen to mother and start IV-NS TKO.

Drape mother with toweling from OB kit.

Monitor fetal heart rate.

As head crowns, apply gentle pressure.

Suction the mouth and then the nose.

Clamp and cut the cord.

Dry the infant and keep it warm.

Deliver the placenta and save for transport with the mother.

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Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

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Neonatal Care

Support the infant’s head and torso, using both hands.

Maintain warmth!

Clear infant’s airway by suctioning mouth and nose.

Assess the neonate using Apgar score.

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Apgar Scoring

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Neonatal Resuscitation

If the infant’s respirations are below 30 per minute and tactile stimulation does not increase rate to normal range, assist ventilations using bag-valve mask with high flow, high-concentration oxygen.

If the heart rate is below 80 and does not respond to ventilations, initiate chest compressions.

Transport to a facility with neonatal intensive care capabilities.

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Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

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Abnormal Delivery Situations

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Breech Presentation

(1 of 2) The buttocks or both feet present first.

If the infant starts to breathe with its face pressed against the vaginal wall, form a “V” and push the vaginal wall away from infant’s face. Continue during transport.

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Breech Presentation

(2 of 2) Bledsoe et al.,

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Prolapsed Cord

(1 of 2) The umbilical cord precedes the fetal presenting part.

Elevate the hips, administer oxygen, and keep warm.

If the umbilical cord is seen in the vagina, insert two gloved fingers to raise the fetus off the cord. Do not push cord back.

Wrap cord in sterile moist towel.

Transport immediately; do not attempt delivery.

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Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

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Prolapsed Cord

(2 of 2) Bledsoe et al.,

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Limb Presentation

With limb presentation, place the mother in knee –chest position, administer oxygen, and transport immediately. Do not attempt delivery.

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Other Abnormal Presentations

Whenever an abnormal presentation or position of the fetus makes normal delivery impossible, reassure the mother.

Administer oxygen.

Transport immediately.

Do not attempt field delivery in these circumstances.

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Other Delivery Complications

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Multiple Births

Follow normal guidelines, but have additional personnel and equipment.

In twin births, labor starts earlier and babies are smaller.

Prevent hypothermia.

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Cephalopelvic Disproportion

Infant’s head is too big to pass through pelvis easily.

Causes include oversized fetus, hydrocephalus, conjoined twins, or fetal tumors.

If not recognized, can cause uterine rupture.

Usually requires cesarean section.

Give oxygen to mother and start IV.

Rapid transport.

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Precipitous Delivery

Occurs in less than 3 hours of labor.

Usually in patients in grand multipara, fetal trauma, tearing of cord, or maternal lacerations.

Be ready for rapid delivery, and attempt to control the head.

Keep the baby warm.

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Shoulder Dystocia

Infant’s shoulders are larger than its head.

Turtle sign.

Do not pull on the infant’s head.

If baby does not deliver, transport the patient immediately.

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Meconium Staining

Fetus passes feces into the amniotic fluid.

If meconium is thick, suction the hypopharynx and trachea using an endotracheal tube until all meconium has been cleared from the airway.

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Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

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Maternal Complications of Labor and Delivery

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Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

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Postpartum Hemorrhage

Defined as a loss of more than 500 cc of blood following delivery.

Establish two large-bore IVs of normal saline.

Treat for shock as necessary.

Follow protocols if applying antishock trousers.

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Uterine Rupture

Tearing, or rupture, of the uterus.

Patient complains of severe abdominal pain and will often be in shock. Abdomen is often tender and rigid.

Fetal heart tones are absent.

Treat for shock.

Give high-flow, high-concentration oxygen and start two large-bore IVs of normal saline.

Transport patient rapidly.

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Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

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Uterine Inversion

Uterus turns inside out after delivery and extends through the cervix.

Blood loss ranges from 800 to 1,800 cc.

Begin fluid resuscitation.

Make one attempt to replace the uterus. If this fails, cover the uterus with towels moistened with saline and transport immediately.

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Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

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Pulmonary Embolism

Presents with sudden severe dyspnea and sharp chest pain.

Administer high-flow, high concentration oxygen and support ventilations as needed.

Establish an IV of normal saline.

Transport immediately, monitoring the heart, vital signs, and oxygen saturation.

Bledsoe et al.,

Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

© 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ

Summary

The Prenatal Period General Assessment of the Obstetric Patient General Management of the Obstetric Patient Complications of Pregnancy The Puerperium Abnormal Delivery Situations Other Delivery Complications Maternal Complications of Labor and Delivery Bledsoe et al.,

Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 3: Medical

© 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ