OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
DIAGNOSIS
■ Ultrasound is the imaging test of choice.
Postpartum Infections
ENDOMETRITIS
Polymicrobial postpartum infection of the endometrium
Risk factors include:
■ Cesarean delivery (most important)
■ Chorioamnionitis
■ Duration of time since rupture of membranes
■ Many vaginal exams during labor
■ Presence of high-virulence organisms
■ Use of an internal monitoring device
SYMPTOMS/EXAM
Fever, uterine tenderness, and foul-smelling lochia
TREATMENT
Hospitalization and IV antibiotics (ampicillin and gentimicin or cefotaxime,
or zosyn).
SEPTICPELVICTHROMBOPHLEBITIS
Develops from an infection of the placental site along with thrombosed myo-
metrial veins. Incidence is increased after C-section. Treatment includes anti-
coagulation and antibiotics.
MEDICATIONS DURING PREGNANCY
See Tables 12.3 and 12.4.
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
Emergency contraception refers to contraceptive measures taken after sex
to prevent a pregnancy. In the United States, two medical options are avail-
able for patients who want to prevent implantation or terminate an early
pregnancy.
■ Plan B(ie, the morning-after pill): A progestin-only treatment usually con-
sisting of levonorgesterol 1.5 mg PO ×1, or divide into 750 μg taken
12 hours apart
■ Most effective when taken in the first 72 hours after sex
■ Reduces likelihood of pregnancy from about 8% to 1%
■ Causes nausea and vaginal bleeding