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Showing posts from August 3, 2025

Jaundice During Pregnancy: Definition, Causes, Diagnosis & Management

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Jaundice During Pregnancy 1. Definition Jaundice, or hyperbilirubinemia, is the yellow discoloration of the skin, sclera, and mucous membranes due to excess bilirubin. Clinically visible when serum bilirubin > 3 mg/dL (normal < 1 mg/dL) 0. 2. How Common Is It? Relatively rare: affects <5% of pregnancies globally 1. Responsible for ~12% of maternal deaths in some regions 2. 3. Causes of Jaundice in Pregnancy Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E) — most common overall, especially severe with hepatitis E 3. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) — characterized by itching and elevated bile acids; followed by jaundice in some cases 4. Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) — serious, occurs near term, often with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice in ~70% 5. HELLP / pre-eclampsia — hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets; hepatic involvement may cause jaundice 6. Hyp...

Fibroid Uterus: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Guide

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Fibroid Uterus: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Guide A fibroid uterus is one of the most common benign gynecological conditions affecting women, particularly between the ages of 30 and 50. While many fibroids are harmless and asymptomatic, others can cause significant discomfort, heavy bleeding, fertility problems, and complications during pregnancy. This guide provides a professional yet patient-friendly explanation of uterine fibroids, supported by the latest medical research. Key Takeaways Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus, medically called leiomyomas or myomas. They vary in size, from microscopic to large masses that can distort the uterus. Common symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and infertility. Diagnosis is typically made with pelvic examination and ultrasound imaging. Treatment ranges from watchful waiting to medications or surgery, depending on severity. Definition and Overview...

Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR): Causes, Diagnosis, Management & Prevention Guide"

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Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR): Complete Medical Guide Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR) , also called Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) , is a condition in which a fetus is smaller than expected for its gestational age due to pathological causes. IUGR increases the risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality, long-term developmental problems, and chronic diseases in adulthood. This article covers IUGR in detail, based on the latest evidence and guidelines (ACOG, RCOG, WHO — up to 2024). Definition IUGR is defined as an estimated fetal weight (EFW) below the 10th percentile for gestational age, often confirmed by ultrasound biometry and Doppler studies. Types of IUGR Type Description Causes Symmetrical IUGR All fetal parameters reduced proportionally. Genetic disorders, early intrauterine infections, chromosomal anomalies. Asymmetrical IUGR Head circumference pr...

"Second-Trimester Abortion: Definition, Diagnosis, Options & Complete Management Guide"

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Second-Trimester Abortion: Definition, Diagnosis, Options & Complete Management Guide Comprehensive clinical guide to second-trimester abortion (13–26 weeks): definitions, diagnosis, medical & surgical options, step-by-step management, complications, post-care, legal and counselling considerations. Introduction Second-trimester abortion refers to termination of pregnancy performed after the first trimester. This article provides a clinician-oriented, step-by-step overview from definition through diagnosis, clinical options (medical and surgical), peri-procedural management, complication recognition and management, post-abortion care, counselling, documentation and medicolegal considerations. Definition & Gestational Age What is a second-trimester abortion? Second trimester: Commonly defined as pregnancies from 13+0 to 26+6 weeks' gestation. (Some jurisdictions use slightly different cutoffs; always confirm lo...

First-Trimester Abortion: Causes, Types, Diagnosis & Management (0–13 Weeks)

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First-Trimester Abortion: Causes, Types, Diagnosis & Management (0–13 Weeks) First-trimester abortion refers to the termination or loss of pregnancy during the first 13 weeks of gestation. This can occur spontaneously (miscarriage) or intentionally (elective abortion). Understanding the causes, diagnosis, and safe treatment options is vital for women's health and well-being. Types of First-Trimester Abortion 1. Spontaneous Abortion (Miscarriage) Threatened Abortion: Bleeding with closed cervix—pregnancy may continue. Inevitable Abortion: Open cervix with bleeding—miscarriage is unavoidable. Incomplete Abortion: Some but not all products of conception expelled. Complete Abortion: Entire pregnancy tissue expelled. Missed Abortion: Fetus has died, but pregnancy tissue retained. Septic Abortion: Miscarriage complicated by infection (often from unsafe methods). 2. Induced Abortion Medical or surg...

Incomplete Abortion: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Management | Complete Medical Guide

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Incomplete Abortion: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Management Last updated: August 5, 2025 | Author: Dr. Humaira Latif 🔍 What is Incomplete Abortion? An incomplete abortion (also known as an incomplete miscarriage ) refers to a condition where parts of the pregnancy tissue remain in the uterus after the loss of pregnancy. It may occur spontaneously or after a medical or surgical abortion. Incomplete abortion is a gynecological emergency and requires immediate attention to prevent complications such as heavy bleeding or infection. Unlike a complete abortion, where all the products of conception are expelled, incomplete abortion means some tissue remains, potentially causing uterine irritation or infection. It often results in prolonged symptoms and poses physical and psychological risks if left untreated. 📈 Global Incidence and Public Health Impact Globally, unsafe and incomplete abortions contribute significantly to maternal mor...

Threatened Abortion: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Causes, and Management in Early Pregnancy

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Threatened Abortion: Early Signs, Diagnosis & Care in Pregnancy 🔍 What is Threatened Abortion? Threatened abortion refers to vaginal bleeding during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy without cervical dilation. It’s a warning sign that miscarriage may occur but the pregnancy is still viable at this stage ⚠️ Key Symptoms Vaginal spotting or bleeding Mild abdominal cramps or pelvic pain Closed cervical os on examination Viable fetus detected on ultrasound 🎯 Causes of Threatened Abortion Hormonal imbalances (especially progesterone deficiency) Uterine abnormalities Infections or trauma Stress or physical exertion Chromosomal abnormalities 🔬 Diagnosis Ultrasound Scan: Confirms fetal heartbeat and gestational age Speculum Exam: Ensures cervix is closed Beta-hCG...

Missed Abortion: Definition, Causes, Diagnosis, Management & Complications.

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Missed Abortion: Complete Medical Guide with Causes, Diagnosis, Management & Complications  Reviewed by: Dr. Humaira Latif | Specialist: Obstetrics & Gynecology 🔍 What is Missed Abortion? Missed abortion , also known as a missed miscarriage , is a condition where the fetus has died or failed to develop but has not been physically expelled from the uterus. Unlike other types of miscarriage, there may be no immediate symptoms like heavy bleeding or cramping. 📌 Common Causes of Missed Abortion Chromosomal Abnormalities: Genetic defects in the fetus are the leading cause. Hormonal Imbalance: Especially insufficient progesterone levels. Autoimmune Disorders: Like anti. phospholipid syndrome. Infections: Rubella, cytomegalovirus, or toxoplasmosis. Maternal Age: Women above 35 have higher risk. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol, drug use, and obes...