Podstetrics: a pregnancy pod

This week we discuss Antepartum haemorrhage (APH), defined as PV bleeding from or within the genital tract after 20 weeks of pregnancy until the delivery of baby. We discuss the two main causes of APH, including placenta previa and placental abruption. We outline their risk factors, as well as their management and consequences of the condition.

This week we delve into the dreaded (for some) world of immunology to discuss Rhesus Factor. We talk about some basic immunology, why we worry about both mum, dad and baby's Rh factor, and what we can do to prevent the consequences that occur as a result of Rhesus Incompatibility

This week we discuss Chorioamnionitis, otherwise known as the infection and/ or inflammation of the chorionic and amniotic membranes, or the amniotic fluid. We also further discuss the implications of chorioamnionitis including Fetal Inflammatory Response Syndrome (FIRS) as well as neonatal sepsis.

In this episode, we once again talk to you, our listeners. Jaimie is a student midwife from Queensland. During this episode we discuss what it is like to study as a mature age student, but also as a mother of young children. We talk about the challenges she faces as a student and a mother, and how her experiences as a mother inspired her to pursue a career as a midwife. We discuss the ups and down of being a student, where we might going wrong in how we give obstetric care in Australia, and the major differences between obstetrics in the private versus the public sector.

In this episode we discuss PROM/ PPROM, Pre-labour rupture of membranes as well as premature pre-labour rupture of membranes. We discuss signs and symptoms of each, treatment options, appropriate exams and investigations and possible complications that may arise as a result of PROM and PPROM

In this episode, we discuss contraception that is currently offered to both women and men. We outline the positives and negatives of the current contraceptives and emergency contraceptive options offered, as well as outline important additional information including the success and failure rate of each. For any information regarding your contraceptive options, please consult https://www.contraception.org.au/ or talk with your GP or healthcare provider

In this episode we discuss Aneuploidy screening. Aneuploidy is defined as the presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes. We discuss different screening techniques that are offered to parents during their pregnancy, when they are offered and what they involve. We also discuss important topics such as the sensitivity and specificity of different screening techniques

This week we discuss what parents can expect from their antenatal visits. This includes taking a medical, social, familial and psychological history, as well as significant exams and investigations.

In today's pOdSCE, we run through the basics of interpreting a CTG. We share a useful pneumonic which will come in handy, and provide structure if you need to tackle this in an OSCE. We also cover the basic physiology and pathophysiology which may lead to abnormalities in the CTG

Today we take you on a journey of fetal surveillance. This episode includes discussions of the preferred methods of fetal surveillance during both the intrapartum period as well as the antenatal period. We hope you all enjoy!