Obstetric Emergencies, Stabilization & Transport Considerations
Spring 2019
This outreach education presentation is intended as an overview of basic concepts surrounding assessment of the
pregnant patient, OB complications and stabilization priorities for maternal patients.
Follow designated county protocols, policies and guidelines for actual care of obstetric and newborn patients.
60% of Maternal Deaths
PREVENTABLEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5Dsn4obCa4&feature=youtu.be
Source: Maternal Mortality Review. https://www.cdcfoundation.org/sites/default/files/files/ReportFromNineMMRCs.pdf. Accessed March 2018.
Causes Of PREVENTABLE Mortality & Severe Morbidity
Failed CommunicationLack Of Recognizing Signs & Symptoms
Misdiagnosis & Ineffective TreatmentFailure In Care Systems & Processes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5Dsn4obCa4&feature=youtu.be questions pertaining to Neo/HROB.Sources:
1. Maternal Mortality Review. https://www.cdcfoundation.org/sites/default/files/files/ReportFromNineMMRCs.pdf. Accessed March 2018.2. Preventing Maternal Death. TJC Sentinel Event Alert. Sentinel Events. https://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/SEA_44.PDF. Accessed March 20183. Near Miss Mothers. NPR. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5Dsn4obCa4&feature=youtu.be. Accessed May 2018
For every American woman who dies from childbirth, 70 nearly die
US Maternal Morbidity & MortalityLeading Causes & Regions
Source: 1. National Vital Statistics Maternal Morbidity. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr64/nvsr64_04.pdf. Accessed March 2018.2. Meeting the Challenges of Measuring and Preventing Maternal Mortality in the United States. https://www.cdc.gov/grand-rounds/pp/2017/20171114-maternal-mortality.html. Accessed April 2018. 3. Sentinel Event Alert: Preventing Maternal Death. TJC. https://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/SEA_44.PDF. Accessed April 2018
Normal Physiologic Changes In PregnancyCardiovascular • Influence of Hormones, Hemodynamics & Vital Signs
Hematologic • Increased Circulating Blood Volume & Coagulation
Respiratory• Compensated Respiratory Alkalosis: pH 7.4-7.45 & PaCO2 27-32• O2 Consumption, MV, & Tv• Delayed gastric emptying---risk for aspiration!
Sources:1. Hayes, Meghan; Larson, Lucia (2012). "Chapter 220. Overview of Physiologic Changes of Pregnancy". Principles and Practice of Hospital Medicine The McGraw-Hill Companies.
https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=496§ionid=41304210 March 20182. Cardiac Arrest In Pregnancy. AHA Scientific Statement. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000300 Circulation. 2015;CIR.0000000000000300. Accessed March 2018. Originally published October 6, 2015
Pregnancy Vital Signs & Labs
Normal Pregnant VS• HR: 85 • SBP: 114• DBP: 70• MAP > 70• Goal: vital organ perfusion• Ensure adequate preload before initiating
vasoactive drugs
Normal Labs• Hct 34• Platelets > 150• AST & ALT ~ 35• Creatinine < 1.0 • WBC < 16
Source: Hayes, Meghan; Larson, Lucia (2012). "Chapter 220. Overview of Physiologic Changes of Pregnancy". Principles and Practice of Hospital Medicine The McGraw-Hill Companies. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=496§ionid=41304210 Accessed March 2018
Causes of Arrest in OB Patients B –E –A –U –C –H –O –P –S
Bleeding-DIC, Embolism, Anesthetic complications, Uterine atony, Cardiac disease, Hypertensive disease, Other, Placental, Sepsis
Other Considerations : Peripartum Cardiomyopathy, & Vascular Dissections,
Source:1. The American Heart Association 2010 Guidelines for the Management of Cardiac Arrest in Pregnancy: Consensus Recommendations on Implementation Strategies. http://www.jogc.com/article/S1701-2163(16)34991-X/pdf . 2. American Heart Association: AHA. Maternal Cardiac Arrest. http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/132/18/1747. Accessed March 20173. Direct Causes of Maternal Mortality. Dartmouth.edu. Countdown to 2015 Decade Report (2000-2010), World Health Organization (2010).
Rapid OB Assessment Primary Impression & Priorities?
Prenatal care, history & current condition?• GPTPAL?• How many weeks is she?• Complications with this pregnancy?• Complications with past pregnancies?• Medical History? • Vaginal bleeding?• Pain: location, continuous or rhythmic?• MOI?
What about the fetus??• Does she feel fetal movement (typically present by 20 weeks)?• Dopper FHR (normal 110-160)?
Source: ASTNA, Patient Transport: Principles & Practice. 4th Edition
How Many Weeks Pregnant Is She? Fundal Height Assessment?
Viable Fetus?
Optimal Maternal Positioning During Transport
Lateral uterine displacement improves maternal CO & fetal perfusion!
Source: Aortocaval Compression Conundrum in Obstetrics. https://journals.lww.com/anesthesia-analgesia/Citation/2017/12000/The_Aortocaval_Compression_Conundrum.7.aspx. Accessed March 2018.
OB Care Priorities: Stabilization & TransportABCsLateral Positioning: ~ 15 degreesVascular Access & Fluid Bolus
• If indicated: LR or NS
Treat Mom To Treat Fetus!!• Uteroplacental Unit-New “End-Organ”
During Transport: • Ensure stability of mother and fetus during transport• Obtain frequent maternal vital signs & fetal assessment
• Fetal movement? Doppler FHR? Vaginal bleeding present?
Source: Trauma in the Obstetric Patient. American College of Emergency Physicians. https://www.acep.org/Clinical---Practice-Management/Trauma-in-the-Obstetric-Patient--A-Bedside-Tool/. Accessed March 2018.
Uteroplacental Blood Flow & Bleeding During Pregnancy
Source: 1. ACOG. Bleeding During Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Bleeding-During-Pregnancy. Accessed March 2017.2. https://www.acog.org/-/media/Districts/District-II/Public/SMI/v2/he-06b-AF-140516-HemChecklist-Binder.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20171212T2152159656. Accessed March 2017.
#1Cause of Maternal Death: OB Trauma
Primary Causes: MVA, Intimate Partner Violence Abuse, & Falls• Risk of abdominal trauma & hemorrhage
Physiologic Changes Can Mask Signs of Shock• Increased blood volume, cardiac output, mild tachycardia
Uteroplacental Unit: Risk for Maternal Fetal Hemorrhage & Fetal CompromiseSource: Trauma In The Obstetric Patient. American College of Emergency Physicians. https://www.acep.org/Clinical---Practice-Management/Trauma-in-the-Obstetric-Patient--A-Bedside-Tool/. Accessed March 2018
OB Trauma: Stabilization, Assessment & Transport
• Communication: Trauma Center, OB & Neonatal Teams--Prepare For 2+ Patients
• OB Assessment • Primary & Secondary Survey• ABCDE• MOI• Fetal Assessment: FHR – Movement?• Bleeding?• Rigid Abdomen?• EDD? Viability?
• Labs & Diagnostics: • KB, Rh & Ultrasound
1. ACOG. Bleeding During Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Bleeding-During-Pregnancy. Accessed March 20172. High Risk & Critical Care Obstetrics. N. Troiano, C. Harvey, B. Flood Chez. AWHONN 2013, 3rd Edition.
Intrauterine Resuscitation MeasuresLateral Positioning
• Optimize perfusion to uteroplacental unit
IV Fluid Bolus: Based on clinical condition
• Correction of maternal hypotension is essential!!
Oxygen Supplementation :• May optimize maternal oxygenation status and fetal oxygen delivery.
Reduction of Uterine Activity: TocolysisSource: Maternal Oxygen Administration As An IntraUterine Resuscitation Measure During Labor. Simpson, Kathleen Rice. MCN: The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing: March/April 2015 - Volume 40 - Issue 2 - p 136http://www.sfnmjournal.com/article/S1744-165X(08)00061-9/abstract. Accessed March 2018.
OB Cardiac Arrest & Perimortum Cesarean Delivery
Recognition, CRM, & Teamwork
BLS, ACLS & ATLS
Positioning• Laterally to improve preload & CO
Primary Impression & Delivery• Every Minute Matters• Quick Assessment: Is Fetus Viable & Alive?• Maternal Death Imminent? • Prepare for Delivery & NRP
Source: 1. Aortocaval Compression Conundrum in Obstetrics. https://journals.lww.com/anesthesia-analgesia/Citation/2017/12000/The_Aortocaval_Compression_Conundrum.7.aspx. Accessed March 2018.2. Cardiac Arrest In Pregnancy. AHA Scientific Statement. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000300 Circulation. 2015;CIR.0000000000000300. Accessed March 2018. Originally published October 6, 20153. Preparing For Clinical Emergencies In Obstetrics. ACOG. https://www.acog.org/-/media/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Patient-Safety-and-Quality-Improvement/co590.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20180426T2325399798. Accessed March 2018
Tick Tock...Every Minute Matters
Preterm Labor &Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes
• Primary Impression?, Consult, & Pre-transport Stabilization• Optimize Tocolysis• Fetal Protection: Magnesium Sulfate, Antenatal Steroids & Antibiotics• Evaluate Progression Of Labor: Cervical Exam• Transfer To Higher Level Of OB & Neonatal Care
Source:1. Society For Maternal Fetal Medicine. Implementation of the Use of Antenatal Corticosteroids in the Late Preterm Birth Period in Women at Risk for Preterm Delivery. August 2016. Accessed March 2017. 2. ACOG. Management of Preterm Labor. https://www.acog.org/Womens-Health/Preterm-Premature-Labor-and-Birth. October 2016. Accessed March 2017 3. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Obstetric Practice Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Magnesium Sulfate In Obstetrics. January 2016. https://www.acog.org/-/media/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/co652.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20171212T2253317113. Accessed August 2017.
Image Source: https://www.thirdstopontheright.com/may-is-preeclampsia-awareness-month-do-you-know-the-signs-and-symptoms/. Accessed April 2018
The Pressure Is On…..OB Hypertensive Emergencies
Defined: SBP >160mmHg, or DBP > 100mmHg, acute-onset, & persistent (>15 min)
Severe systolic hypertension--most important predictor of cerebral hemorrhage in OB patients• Goal B/P: Range of 140-160/90-100 mmHg to preserve fetal perfusion!!• Severe hypertension can occur antepartum, intrapartum or post-partum
Stabilization Considerations: • Magnesium Sulfate, Antihypertensives, Anticonvulsants, Transport & Delivery
Source:1. California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative: CMQCC. https://www.cmqcc.org/. Accessed August 20172. ACOG. Emergent Therapy for Acute-Onset, Severe Hypertension During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period. April 2017. https://www.acog.org/-/media/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/co692.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20171212T2343034025.
Accessed May 2017
Preeclampsia, HELLP & Eclampsia
Cerebral Effects Cardiac/Vascular
Pulmonary Liver Renal Fetal
Labs: Obtain Hct, Platelets, LFT’s, Cr, CoagsPreeclampsia Assessment
Treatment-Stabilization: Magnesium Sulfate, Antihypertensives, Anticonvulsants, DeliverySource: 1. California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative: CMQCC. https://www.cmqcc.org/. Accessed August 20172. https://www.propublica.org/article/die-in-childbirth-maternal-death-rate-health-care-system. Accessed December 2017
HELLP Syndrome: State of Coagulopathy Variant of severe preeclampsia
Presentation similar to pre-eclampsia with or without hypertension
Diagnosis determined by laboratory confirmation of: • Hemolysis• Elevated Liver Enzymes• Low Platelets
Treated similar to PEC with addition of blood products (as needed): • PRBC’s and Platelets• Antihypertensive Medications: Labetalol or Hydralazine (as needed)• Magnesium Sulfate infusion
Source: 1. California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative: CMQCC. https://www.cmqcc.org/. Accessed August 2017
Eclampsia: Onset of Seizures With PEC• Initiate Magnesium Sulfate: Bolus then continuous infusion
• Rebolus Magnesium if seizure continues
• Lorazepam or Versed • Other options: Diazepam, Phenytoin, & Keppra
• Maintain ABC’s and protect patient
• Difficult to obtain EFM tracing during maternal seizuresSource: 1. California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative: CMQCC. https://www.cmqcc.org/. Accessed August 20172. https://www.propublica.org/article/die-in-childbirth-maternal-death-rate-health-care-system. Accessed December 2017
Delivery Outside Of OB Unit : Now What??• Supplies: OB Kit & Neo Ventilation Device• Place infant on mothers abdomen after birth
• Clamp cord 8-10 inches from baby• Use 2 clamps several inches apart: cut between clamps• Delayed Cord Clamping X 30-60 seconds IF VIGOROUS• Immediate Cord Clamping IF NONVIGOROUS
• Provide basic newborn care• Clear Airway & Optimal Airway Positioning• Dry Thoroughly & Provide Warmth• Continuous assessment of ABC’s• Thermoregulation & Blood Glucose
Source: Neonatal Resuscitation Program. AAP. 7th Edition
Tiny Ones: Preterm Delivery
Delayed Cord Clamping:
IF vigorous DCC reduction of IVH
IF NONVIGOROUS immediate umbilical cord clamping & NRPThermoregulation & Neuroprotection:
Warming mattress, isolation bag, hat, nesting, & head alignment with gentle handling
NRP Guidelines:
Sp02 & ECG, CPAP, PPV, airway & perfusion support, careful fluid administration, glycemic control, early activation of neonatal & transport teams!
Source:1. AAP. Neonatal Resuscitation Program. 7th Edition.
Delivery of Placenta: Now What?
Anticipate within 20 min after delivery• Do not pull on cord
Normal blood loss ~ 500ml
Provide vigorous fundal massage!!• Support lower uterine segment • Ensure uterus stays contracted-firm • Uterotonics: as needed
Source: ACOG Guidelines For Management Of Hemorrage. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0401/p1101.html. Accessed 3/2018.
Postpartum Hemorrhage • Provide Vigorous Continuous Fundal Massage• Leading cause: uterine atony after birth• Goal: uterus remains contracted & firm
Adequate Vascular AccessContinuous Fundal MassageUterotonics: Pitocin-dose & rateConsider TXA: Consult Rapid TransportD&C -- Removal of Placental PartsOR --- Looking For BleedersActivate Massive Hemorrhage Protocol
Source: OB Hemorrhage V2 Toolkithttps://www.cmqcc.org/resources-tool-kits/toolkits/ob-hemorrhage-toolkit. CMQCC. California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative. Accessed 3/20/2018
Image Source: dailymom.com
Thank You & Questions