What does antepartum hemorrhage mean?

What does antepartum hemorrhage mean?

Antepartum haemorrhage (APH) is defined as bleeding from or in to the genital tract, occurring from 24+0 weeks of pregnancy and prior to the birth of the baby. The most important causes of APH are placenta praevia and placental abruption, although these are not the most common.

What are the types of APH?

Placenta praevia is classified into four types:

• Type I: the placenta is located in the lower part of the uterus but does not come close to the cervix.
• Type II (or marginal) – the placenta touches but does not cover the cervix.
• Type III (or partial) – the placenta partially covers the cervix.

What are the causes of antepartum haemorrhage?

What are the complication of antepartum haemorrhage?

Maternal complications of APH are malpresentation, premature labour, postpartum hemorrhage, shock, retained placenta. They also include higher rates of caesarian section, peripartum hysterectomy, coagulation failure, puerperal infections and even death.

What are the signs and symptoms of APH?

(b) In APH due to placental abruption symptoms include:

• Vaginal bleeding.
• Abdominal pain.
• Back pain.
• Uterine tenderness.
• Uterine contractions,
• Firmness in the uterus or abdomen.

How is APH diagnosed?

Gentle palpation of the abdomen to determine the gestational age of the fetus, presentation and position. Fetal monitoring. Arrange urgent ultrasound to exclude placenta praevia; ultrasound cannot exclude placental abruption, which is a clinical diagnosis.

How can an antepartum hemorrhage be prevented?

Use of aspirin before 16 weeks of pregnancy to prevent pre-eclampsia also appears effective at preventing antepartum bleeding. In regard to treatment, it should be considered a medical emergency (regardless of whether there is pain), as if it is left untreated it can lead to death of the mother or baby.

Is antepartum same as prenatal?

Antepartum care, also referred to as prenatal care, consists of the all-encompassing management of patients throughout their pregnancy course.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLsy2pJjTEg