Pregnancy and childbirth-related conditions

Obstetric hemorrhages

🔴 Symptoms – Obstetric Hemorrhages

Heavy vaginal bleeding during or after childbirth
Extreme paleness, cold sweats
Drop in blood pressure (hypotension)
Increased heart rate
Sudden fatigue or shock
Loss of consciousness in severe cases

🔴 Treatment – Obstetric Hemorrhages

Urgent administration of oxygen and intravenous fluids
Injection of uterotonic drugs to contract the uterus
Blood transfusion if necessary
Uterine massage or removal of retained placenta
Surgical intervention in case of uncontrollable hemorrhage
Intensive monitoring of the patient after treatment

📌 Summary

Definition: Obstetric hemorrhages refer to significant bleeding during or after childbirth, which can endanger the life of the mother if not promptly treated.
Affected population: This condition primarily affects women during labor or in the immediate postpartum period.
Common causes: Uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract), retained placenta, genital tract trauma, and coagulation disorders are frequent causes of obstetric hemorrhages.
Urgency: It is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent severe complications or maternal death.

🔴 Prevention – Obstetric Hemorrhages

Close monitoring of pregnancy by a healthcare professional
Delivery assisted by trained personnel
Preventive administration of uterotonic drugs after delivery
Screening and prompt treatment of anemia during pregnancy
Planning for rapid management in case of high risk
Information and awareness raising for women on warning signs

Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia

Symptoms of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

High blood pressure (often sudden)
Protein in the urine (proteinuria)
Swelling of the face, hands, or legs
Severe headaches
Vision problems (blurred vision, flashing lights)
Abdominal pain (often in the upper right side)
Nausea or vomiting
Seizures (eclampsia, a severe form of preeclampsia)

Treatment of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

Rest and regular medical monitoring of blood pressure
Antihypertensive medications
Magnesium supplementation to prevent seizures
Hospitalization in case of severe preeclampsia
Induction of labor if pregnancy is advanced
Fetal monitoring (ultrasounds, fetal heart monitoring)

📌 Summary

Definition: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. It can progress to eclampsia, which involves severe seizures that can endanger both mother and baby.
Affected population: This condition primarily affects pregnant women, especially during the second and third trimesters.
Common causes: The exact causes are not fully understood, but risk factors include chronic hypertension, diabetes, first pregnancy, and certain medical histories.
Importance: Preeclampsia requires close medical monitoring to prevent serious complications, ensure the safety of mother and fetus, and plan appropriate delivery.

Prevention of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

Regular prenatal check-ups to detect early signs
Adopting a healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, moderate exercise)
Blood pressure monitoring for women at risk
Low-dose aspirin for prevention in high-risk patients (under medical advice)
Adequate rest and stress reduction during pregnancy
Avoid self-medication during pregnancy

Postpartum infection

Symptoms of postpartum infection

Persistent fever above 38°C after childbirth
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Abnormal, heavy, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Chills, night sweats
Excessive fatigue or general malaise
Redness, warmth, or discharge at a wound site (episiotomy or cesarean)
Pain during urination

Treatment of postpartum infection

Appropriate antibiotic therapy after identifying the infectious agent
Monitoring of temperature and vital signs
Local care of surgical or perineal wounds
Adequate hydration and rest
Hospitalization in severe cases or in case of sepsis
Treatment of complications (abscess, endometritis, etc.)

📌 Summary

Definition: Postpartum infection is an infection that occurs after childbirth, often affecting the uterus, genital tract, or surgical wounds such as cesarean or episiotomy sites. It can cause fever, pain, and signs of inflammation.
Affected population: All women who have given birth can be affected, especially in cases of poor hygiene, surgical interventions, or complications during delivery.
Common causes: Bacteria from the vagina, cervix, or contamination during delivery. Risk factors include prolonged rupture of membranes, cesarean section, obstetric instrumentation, and poor hygiene.

Prevention of postpartum infection

Strict hygiene during and after delivery
Monitoring of wounds (episiotomy, cesarean) by healthcare professionals
Avoid early sexual intercourse after delivery
Routine postnatal check-ups
Training of midwives and caregivers in infection prevention
Proper use of antiseptics and adherence to protocols in maternity wards

Labor complications

Symptoms of Labor Complications

Prolonged or stalled labor (more than 12-24 hours without progress)
Abnormal vaginal bleeding during labor
Severe and persistent pain not relieved
No cervical dilation despite contractions
Fetal distress (slow fetal heart rate)
Abnormal baby positions (breech, transverse, etc.)
Maternal fever during labor

Treatment of Labor Complications

Administration of oxytocin to stimulate contractions if needed
Pain relief through analgesia or anesthesia
Continuous monitoring of the mother and fetus
Use of delivery assistance instruments (forceps, vacuum)
Emergency cesarean section in case of labor arrest or fetal distress
Transfusion or treatments in case of hemorrhage

📌 Summary

Definition: Labor complications refer to a set of problems that occur during childbirth, such as prolonged labor, fetal distress, or abnormal fetal positions, which can endanger both the mother and the baby.
Affected population: All pregnant women, with higher risk among those with obstetric history, multiple pregnancies, or certain medical conditions.
Common causes: Incorrect fetal position, ineffective contractions, cervical abnormalities, infections, or maternal conditions such as hypertension.
Consequences: Increased risk of cesarean section, hemorrhage, neonatal distress, and maternal complications.
Prevention importance: Regular prenatal care and appropriate management during labor are essential to reduce risks.

Prevention of Labor Complications

Regular prenatal check-ups to detect risk factors
Birth plan established with a midwife or obstetrician
Assessment of fetal position before term
Quick access to a healthcare facility with an operating room
Training medical staff in managing difficult deliveries
Close monitoring from the start of labor