1. Division 4 Medical Emergencies
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2. Chapter 40 Obstetrics
Bledsoe et al., Essentials of Paramedic Care: Division 1V
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3. 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., Essentials of Paramedic Care: Division 1V
© 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ

4. The Prenatal Period
The prenatal period is the time from conception until delivery of the fetus.
Bledsoe et al., Essentials of Paramedic Care: Division 1V
© 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ

5. Bledsoe et al., Essentials of Paramedic Care: Division 1V
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6. Anatomy and Physiology of the Obstetric Patient
Placenta—organ of pregnancy
Afterbirth—placenta and membranes that are expelled from uterus after the birth of a child
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
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7. Bledsoe et al., Essentials of Paramedic Care: Division 1V
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8. 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.
Bledsoe et al., Essentials of Paramedic Care: Division 1V
© 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ

9. 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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10. Fetal Developmental Milestones
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11. Fetal Circulation
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12. Fetal Blood Supply
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13. General Assessment of the Obstetric Patient (1 of 2)
Initial Assessment
History—SAMPLE
EDC
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
Diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, seizure
Pain
Vaginal Bleeding
Labor
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14. General Assessment of the Obstetric Patient (2 of 2)
Physical Examination
Asses fundal height to determine gestation.
Bledsoe et al., Essentials of Paramedic Care: Division 1V
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15. General Management of the Obstetric Patient
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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16. Complications of Pregnancy
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17. Trauma
Transport all trauma patients at 20 weeks or more gestation. Anticipate the development of shock.
Bledsoe et al., Essentials of Paramedic Care: Division 1V
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18. 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.
Bledsoe et al., Essentials of Paramedic Care: Division 1V
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19. Medical Conditions
Any pregnant patient with abdominal pain should be evaluated by a physician.
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20. Causes of Bleeding During Pregnancy
Abortion
Ectopic Pregnancy
Placenta Previa
Abruptio Placentae
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21. 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.
Bledsoe et al., Essentials of Paramedic Care: Division 1V
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22. 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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23. Ectopic Pregnancy (2 of 2)
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24. 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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25. Placenta Previa (2 of 2)
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26. 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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27. Abruptio Placentae (2 of 2)
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28. Medical Complications of Pregnancy
Hypertensive Disorders
Supine Hypotensive Syndrome
Gestational Diabetes
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29. Hypertensive Disorders
Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
Chronic Hypertension
Chronic Hypertension Superimposed with Preeclampsia
Transient Hypertension
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30. 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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31. Supine Hypotensive Syndrome (2 of 2)
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32. 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.
Bledsoe et al., Essentials of Paramedic Care: Division 1V
© 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ

33. Braxton-Hicks Contractions
False labor that increases in intensity and frequency but does not cause cervical changes
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34. Preterm Labor Maternal Factors Placental Factors Fetal 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
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35. The Puerperium The time period surrounding the birth of the fetus
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36. Labor Stage One (Dilation) Stage Two (Expulsion)
Stage Three (Placental Stage)
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37. 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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38. Deciding upon delivery or transport can be a difficult decision.
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39. 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.
Bledsoe et al., Essentials of Paramedic Care: Division 1V
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40. 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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41. Apgar Scoring
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42. 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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43. Abnormal Delivery Situations
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44. 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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45. Breech Presentation (2 of 2)
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46. 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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47. Prolapsed Cord (2 of 2)
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48. 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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49. 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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50. Other Delivery Complications
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51. 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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52. 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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53. 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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54. 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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55. 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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© 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ

56. Maternal Complications of Labor and Delivery
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57. 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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58. 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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© 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ

59. 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.
Bledsoe et al., Essentials of Paramedic Care: Division 1V
© 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ

60. 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.
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© 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ

61. 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., Essentials of Paramedic Care: Division 1V
© 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ