Obstetric emergency topics for General Physicians
How obstetric emergencies, labor & delivery is tested
Written for DHA, SMLE, DOH, QCHP, OMSB, MOH, NHRA and Kuwait MOH — the same GP licensing mix, not a obstetric emergencies, labor & delivery specialist paper.
Labour-ward emergencies are the OB marks that vanish if you hesitate: four T’s of PPH, magnesium in eclampsia, HELPERR for shoulders, and cord prolapse.
PPH is tone, tissue, trauma, thrombin — in that mental order — with oxytocin and bimanual compression first for atony. Preeclampsia severe features change delivery timing and MgSO₄.
Shoulder dystocia is a manoeuvre sequence, not more traction. Cord prolapse is knee-chest or elevate the presenting part and go to theatre. Abruption vs praevia is pain and bleeding character.
First drug in uterine atony?
Oxytocin, plus rub the fundus. Then additional uterotonics. Do not start with hysterectomy in the first line of a stable PPH stem.
Eclampsia — immediate drug?
Magnesium sulphate. Benzodiazepines are not the first anti-seizure plan in this disease.
Cord prolapse — position?
Relieve pressure on the cord (knee-chest or elevate the presenting part) and category-1 caesarean. Do not push the cord back and wait.
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