Obstetrics and gynaecology

Anencephaly investigations during pregnancy Introduction : Anencephaly , which literally translates into "no head" , is a disorder that is characterized by the absence of a large part of the brain (usually the cerebrum) and a part of the skull covering it [1] . Anencephaly occurs due to a neural tube defect ( failure of closure of the rostral end of the tube ) , which occurs during embryogenesis [2]. The disorder usually has a very poor prognosis . Aim : To determine whether there are any…

Encephalocele Johni L. Cochran University of Cincinnati An encephaloceles is a type of neural tube defect. It is characterized by a herniation of the brain and meninges through a structural weakness in the bony structures of the skull (Tirumandas et al, 2013). There are four classifications of encephaloceles: frontoethmoidal, basal, occipital, and cranial vault. Classifications are based on the type of defect and its location on the skull. Nasal or frontoethmoidal…

I became aware of WIC when I was a child growing up, I did not know much of it just that my mom would receive vouchers for free food. WIC is a federal assistance program for women, infants, and children. It is a nutrition program that helps women who are pregnant, mothers with infants and young children. Which is funded by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). The interview was on July 17, 2017, at 10pm during the time I had an appointment to take my son. Veronica who is a…

Turner's syndrome is a rare condition that affects females. It results when a sex chromosome (X chromosome) is either missing or partially missing. Turner’s syndrome can cause a lot of different medical problems such as short height, puberty failure, heart defects, learning disabilities and social adjustment problems. It is sometimes diagnosed before birth, during infancy or during their early childhood. Occasionally the diagnosis is delayed until the teen or young adult years in those who have…

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) remains one of the most common hormonal endocrine disorders affecting five to ten percent of women of childbearing age. Left undiagnosed, this condition boasts serious complications. And, the effects on pregnancy are no exception. However, early diagnosis, proper education and good care during pregnancy decrease risk factors and promote a healthy life and outcome for baby and mom. What is PCOS? When a woman is affected by PCOS, small cysts develop on her…

A recent study has suggested that pregnant women who take ecstasy may be at greater risk of having babies with birth defects such as congenital heart disease and other abnormalities. Researchers at the National Teratology Information Service in Newcastle (1) studied 136 babies whose mothers took ecstasy while pregnant. Seventy four said they took only ecstasy but 62 had used ecstasy and other illegal drugs. Eleven of the births ended in miscarriage, which is no more than average. Forty eight of…

The transtheoretical model help reduce risk women those who have HIV and focus to increase contraceptive methods and condom usage. There is increase condom usage among unmarried women compared women at high risk for HIV including injecting drug users. However, the intervention should expand their awareness to other population such as drug users, women with HIV, truck drivers, and sex workers which I learn from my international health class. Another criteria is applying the transtheoretical model…

Postpartum disorder is usually taken for granted as it is often mistaken for a regular hormonal imbalance. It is however something more serious. As per Web Md, it normally occurs after a woman would give birth which involves a strong feeling of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness. It is often temporary and it only affects individuals who underwent pregnancy and child birth. Its mild effects would normally affect 80% of women after childbirth. It usually lingers for a couple of weeks or even…

#5 Hydatiform Mole 1. Definition: • A rare mass or growth, that will form inside the uterus at the beginning of a pregnancy 2. Causes/Contributing/Risk Factors: • Too much production of tissue in placenta • Higher risk in women older than 35 • High levels of hCG • Eclampsia 3. S/S (maternal & fetal): • N/V • Increase or decrease in growth of placenta • Vaginal bleeding (1st 3 months of pregnancy) • High blood pressure, swelling of the feet, ankles, and legs in the (1st through early 2nd…

Stacey has phone called birth suite and as midwife we need to establish Stacey’s current situation and provide advice for Stacey in a way forward and make sure she is happy with that advice. During the phone call we need to establish where she may be during labour to determine when she needs to come in and if everything is going alright for Stacey and her unborn baby. A midwife would start with key questions to identify Stacey, her due date and current situation, such as what is your name? Is…