1. Obstetric and Gynecologic Emergencies
Chapter 20

2. Three Stages of Labor First stage Second stage Third stage
Dilation of the cervix
Second stage
Expulsion of the infant
Third stage
Delivery of the placenta

3. Predelivery Emergencies
Preeclampsia
Headache, vision disturbance, edema, anxiety, high blood pressure
Eclampsia
Convulsions resulting from hypertension
Supine hypotensive syndrome
Low blood pressure from lying supine

4. Hemorrhage Vaginal bleeding that occurs before labor begins
If present in early pregnancy, it may be a spontaneous abortion or ectopic pregnancy.

5. Ectopic Pregnancy Pregnancy outside of the uterus
Should be considered for any woman of childbearing age with unilateral lower abdominal pain and missed menstrual period
History of PID, tubal ligation, or previous ectopic pregnancy

6. Placenta Problems Placenta abruptio
Premature separation of the placenta
Placenta previa
Development of placenta over the cervix

7. Gestational Diabetes Develops only during pregnancy.
Treat as regular patient with diabetes.

8. Scene Size Up:
Woman’s balance is altered. Be aware for falls and the need for spinal stabilization.
Use BSI.
Usual threats to your safety still exist.
Be calm. Protect the mother and the child.

9. Initial Assessment Is the mother in active labor?
Evaluate trauma or medical problems first.
Treat ABCs in line with local protocols.

10. Transport Decision
If delivery is imminent, prepare for delivery in warm, private location.
If delivery is not imminent, transport on left side if in last two trimesters of pregnancy.
If the patient was subject to spinal injury, stabilize and prop backboard with towel roll on right side.

11. Focused History/ Physical Exam
Obtain full SAMPLE history, and also:
Prenatal history
Complications during pregnancy
Due date
Number of babies (twins)
Drugs or alcohol
Water broken
Green fluid (meconium)

12. Focused Physical Exam Mainly abdomen and delivery of fetus
Based on her chief complaints and history
Pay close attention to tachycardia, hypotension, or hypertension.

13. Interventions
Childbirth is natural, does not require intervention in most cases.
Treating the mother will benefit the baby.

14. Detailed Physical Exam
Only if other treatments are not required

15. Ongoing Assessment
Continue to reassess the patient for changes in vital signs. Watch for hypoperfusion.
Notify hospital of your preparations for delivery.
Document carefully, especially baby’s status.
Obstetrics is one of the most litigated specialties in medicine.

16. When to Consider Field Delivery
Delivery can be expected within a few minutes
A natural disaster or other catastrophe makes it impossible to reach a hospital
No transportation is available

17. Preparing for Delivery
Use proper BSI precautions.
Be calm and reassuring while protecting the mother’s modesty.
Contact medical control for a decision to deliver on scene or transport.
Prepare OB kit.

18. Positioning for Delivery

19. Delivering the Baby Support the head as it emerges.
Once the head emerges, the shoulders will be visible.
Support the head and upper body as the shoulders deliver.
Handle the infant firmly but gently as the body delivers.
Clamp the cord and cut it.

20. Complications With Normal Vaginal Delivery
Unruptured amniotic sac
Puncture the sac and push it away from the baby.
Umbilical cord around the neck
Gently slip the cord over the infant’s head.
It may have to be cut.

21. Un-ruptured Amniotic Sac

22. Umbilical cord around the neck

23. Postdelivery Care
Immediately wrap the infant in a towel with the head lower than the body.
Suction the mouth and nose again.
Clamp and cut the cord.
Ensure the infant is pink and breathing well.

24. Meconium

25. Delivery of Placenta
Placenta is attached to the end of the umbilical cord.
It should deliver within 30 minutes.
Once the placenta delivers, wrap it and take to the hospital so it can be examined.
If the mother continues to bleed, transport promptly to the hospital.

26. APGAR Scoring
A Activity P Pulse G Grimace A Appearance R Respirations

27. Neonatal Resuscitation

28. Giving Chest Compressions to an Infant
Find the proper position
Just below the nipple line
Middle third of the sternum
Wrap your hands around the body, with your thumbs resting at that position.
Press your thumbs gently against the sternum, compressing 1/3 the depth of the chest
Ventilate with a BVM device after every third compression.
90 compressions to 30 ventilations per minute
Continue CPR during transport

29. Breech Delivery Presenting part is the buttocks or legs.
Breech delivery is usually slow, giving you time to get to the hospital.
Support the infant as it comes out.
Make a “V” with your gloved fingers then place them in the vagina to prevent it from compressing infant’s airway.

30. Breech Presentation

31. Rare Presentations Limb presentation Prolapsed cord
This is a very rare occurrence.
This is a true emergency that requires immediate transport.
Prolapsed cord
Transport immediately.
Place fingers into the mother’s vagina and push the cord away from the infant’s face.

32. Limb Presentation

33. Prolapsed umbilical cord

34. Excessive Bleeding
Bleeding always occurs with delivery but should not exceed 500 mL.
Massage the mother’s uterus to slow bleeding.
Treat for shock.
Place pad over vaginal opening.
Transport to hospital.

35. Spina Bifida
Defect in which the portion of the spinal cord or meninges may protrude outside the vertebrae or body.
Cover area with moist, sterile compresses to prevent infection.
Maintain body temperature by holding baby against an adult for warmth.

36. Spina bifida

37. Abortion (Miscarriage)
Delivery of the fetus or placenta before the 20th week
Infection and bleeding are the most important complications.
Treat the mother for shock.
Transport to the hospital.
Bring tissue that has passed through the vagina to the hospital.

38. Abortion or miscarriage

39. Twins Twins are usually smaller than single infants.
Delivery procedures are the same as that for single infants.
There may be one or two placentas to deliver.

40. Twins

41. Delivering an Infant of an Addicted Mother
Ensure proper BSI precautions
Deliver as normal.
Watch out for severe respiratory depression and low birth weight.
Infant may require immediate care.

42. Premature Infants and Procedures
Delivery before 8 months or weight less than 5 lb at birth.
Keep the infant warm.
Keep the mouth and nose clear of mucus.
Give oxygen.
Do not infect the infant.
Notify the hospital.

43. Fetal Demise An infant that has died in the uterus before labor
This is a very emotional situation for family and providers.
The infant may be born with skin blisters, skin sloughing, and dark discoloration.
Do not attempt to resuscitate an obviously dead infant.

44. Fetal Demise

45. Delivery Without Sterile Supplies
You should always have goggles and sterile gloves with you.
Use clean sheets and towels.
Do not cut or clamp umbilical cord.
Keep placenta and infant at same level

46. Premature infant

47. Gynecologic Emergencies
Do not examine genitalia unless there is obvious bleeding.
Leave any foreign bodies in place, after packing with bandages
Treat as any other patient with blood loss.