Introduction Description: Placental abruption is the premature separation of an otherwise normally implanted placenta before the delivery of the fetus. The term is generally applied only to 20-week or later gestations. Prevalence: 1/185–290 deliveries; sufficient to result in fetal death,…
Introduction Description: Placenta previa is the implantation of the placenta in a location that leaves a part or all of the cervical os covered. This is associated with potentially catastrophic maternal bleeding and obstruction of the uterine outlet. Several degrees…
Introduction Description: Oligohydramnios is an abnormal reduction in the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. At term, there should be approximately 800 mL of amniotic fluid present. Often defined as a single deepest pocket of amniotic fluid of 2…
Introduction Description: Obstetric lacerations of the vaginal wall or introitus are common in vaginal deliveries. Laceration of the cervix, labia, and periurethral and periclitoral (prepuce) tissues is also possible. Prevalence: Common; 50%–80% of vaginal deliveries; third- and fourth-degree lacerations occur…
Introduction Description: Multiple gestation is two or more fetuses that coexist during the same gestation. Prevalence: Occurs in 32.1/1000 live births resulting in 112,437 births in the United States (2020); 79.6/100,000 live births for triplets, for a total of 2738…
Introduction Description: Intrauterine growth restriction is the symmetric or asymmetric reduction in the size and weight of the growing fetus in utero compared with that expected for a fetus of comparable gestational age and population. (Low birthweight is used to…
Introduction Description: Hyperemesis gravidarum is exaggerated nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy, which is sufficient to produce dehydration, metabolic disturbances, and weight loss. Alkalosis (from HCl loss) and hypokalemia are common. Prevalence: 70%–85% of women experience nausea; 50% have emesis…
Introduction Description: Hepatitis is one of the most serious infections that occur during pregnancy. Prevalence: Hepatitis—0.1%–1.5% of pregnancies (one-third of Americans have antibodies to hepatitis A). Hepatitis B is the most common cause of jaundice during pregnancy. The prevalence of…
Introduction Description: Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome is considered to be a variant of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and pre-eclampsia, which are dominated by hepatic and hematologic changes. The course of HELLP syndrome is notable for its…
Introduction Description: Elevated hormone levels during pregnancy may induce gingival hyperplasia, pedunculated gingival growths, and pyogenic granuloma. Despite concerns directed elsewhere during pregnancy, the practitioner must watch for this common problem and address it when present. Periodontal disease has been…