Vulvar Cancer
Overview Definition Vulvar cancer is a malignancy of the vulva, which includes structures of the external female genitalia: Epidemiology Vulvar cancer is a rare cancer that constitutes only 0.3% of new cancer diagnoses. Risk factors Classification Classification by histologic subtype Histologic subtypes of vulvar cancer include: Staging Vulvar cancer is staged on the basis of […]
Spontaneous Abortion
Overview Definition Spontaneous abortion is the noninduced loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks’ gestation. Epidemiology Classification Spontaneous abortion can be classified into the following types (see “Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis” for details): Etiology There are many potential causes for spontaneous abortion. Maternal factors Fetal factors Paternal factors Miscellaneous Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis Clinical presentation Diagnostic […]
Multiple Pregnancy
Overview Definition Multiple pregnancy is a pregnancy with more than 1 fetus. Table: Important terminology of multiple pregnancy Term Definition Zygosity Refers to the genetic makeup of a twin pregnancy Monozygotic twins Result from division of a single zygote Share the same genetic material Identical twins Dizygotic twins Result from 2 separate eggs fertilized by […]
Antepartum Hemorrhage
Overview Definition Antepartum hemorrhage is defined as vaginal bleeding that occurs after 20 weeks of gestation and is unrelated to labor. Epidemiology and etiology Incidence: occurs in approximately 5% of pregnancies Most common etiologies: Placental abruption: 30% Placenta previa: 20% The etiology is often not determined. Table: Causes of antepartum bleeding by location Anatomic location […]
Polyhydramnios
Overview Definition Polyhydramnios is an abnormally high level of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac. Epidemiology Etiology Pathophysiology Normal physiologic conditions: Two major causes of polyhydramnios: Clinical Presentation Diagnosis History Physical exam Amniotic fluid assessment Table: Classification of mild, moderate, and severe polyhydramnios Classification of polyhydramnios Amniotic fluid index (AFI) Single deep pocket (SDP) Mild […]
Pregnancy: Diagnosis, Physiology, and Care
Overview Definition Pregnancy is defined as the time period between fertilization of an oocyte and delivery of a fetus approximately 9 months later. Terminology Sequence of events Pregnancy duration Clinical Presentation Individuals trying to get pregnant will typically present with a positive home pregnancy test. Many others may not know they are pregnant and will present […]
Ovarian Cysts
Non-neoplastic (Benign) Cysts Functional cysts: Follicular and corpus luteal cysts Follicular cyst: Most common ovarian mass in women of reproductive age Unruptured graafian follicle that continues to grow Characteristics: Simple collections of fluid without septations or internal debris May be a single cyst or multiple cysts Variable size (normal follicles < 3 cm; pathologic follicular […]
Cesarean Delivery
Overview Definition Cesarean delivery (CD, colloquially known as a C-section) is the operative delivery of ≥ 1 infants through a surgical incision in the maternal abdomen and uterus. Epidemiology Classification Cesarean deliveries can be classified in several ways: Indications and Contraindications Indications for CD may be maternal, placental, or fetal, though there is often overlap […]
Fetal Malpresentation and Malposition
Overview Definition Clinical relevance Risk factors for fetal malpresentation Epidemiology Prevalence rates for different malpresentations at term: Fetal Lie and Presentation Fetal lie Fetal lie is how the long axis of the fetus is oriented in relation to the mother. Possible lies include: Presentation Presentation describes which body part of the fetus will pass through […]
Obstetric Pain Management
Overview Definition Obstetric pain management refers to the pharmacological and non-pharmacological options available to help manage discomfort during labor and delivery. Such options include spontaneous vaginal deliveries and cesarean deliveries. Maternal perceptions of labor pain Labor pain is influenced by a woman’s emotional, motivational, cognitive, social, and cultural circumstances. Perception can vary significantly between women. […]