Makindo Medical Notes

Related Subjects: |Introduction to Obstetrics and Gynaecology |Female Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology |Basic Concepts of Pregnancy |Health Issues In Pregnancy |Risk assessment In Pregnancy |Anaemia In Pregnancy |Hypertension In Pregnancy |Diabetes In Pregnancy |Epilepsy In Pregnancy |Hyperemesis In Pregnancy |Obesity In Pregnancy |Prescribing in Pregnancy |Multiple Pregnancy |Preterm Labout |Management of Labour and Complications |Assessment of the newborn

Introduction to Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) is a dynamic and diverse field of medicine that focuses on the health and well-being of women, particularly in relation to reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. As a medical student, your exposure to O&G will provide you with a unique opportunity to engage with one of the most intimate and rewarding specialties in healthcare, blending medical and surgical care to support women across various life stages.

Scope of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

• Obstetrics: Focuses on the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. You will manage normal pregnancies and high-risk cases where complications can endanger mother or baby.
• Gynaecology: Focuses on the health of the female reproductive system, including diagnosing and treating menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain, infections, infertility, and cancers.

Why O&G is Important

• O&G plays a crucial role in improving women's health outcomes, reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, and supporting reproductive health and family planning.

What to Expect During Your O&G Rotation

• Antenatal clinics: Assess fetal development, manage pregnancy-related conditions, and counsel on maternal health.
• Labour wards: Observe and assist in vaginal deliveries and Caesarean sections.
• Gynaecological clinics: Encounter women with various reproductive health issues and complex gynaecological surgeries.
• Surgical exposure: Assist in laparoscopic and complex gynaecological surgeries.

Basic Knowledge for Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Before your O&G rotation, it's essential to have a foundational understanding of key concepts in reproductive health, pregnancy, and female anatomy.

1. Female Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology

• Anatomy: Understand the major structures of the female reproductive system—ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina.
• Physiology: Understand the menstrual cycle, its hormonal regulation, and its phases (follicular, ovulatory, luteal).

2. Basic Concepts in Pregnancy

• Fertilization and implantation: Understand how conception occurs and the early stages of embryo development.
• Pregnancy trimesters: Understand fetal developmental milestones and maternal physiological changes during each trimester.
• Antenatal care: Learn about routine antenatal care, antenatal screening, and managing pregnancy-related conditions like gestational diabetes and hypertension.

3. Labour and Delivery Basics

• Stages of labour: Labour is divided into three stages—cervical dilation, delivery of the baby, and delivery of the placenta.
• Delivery types: Learn about vaginal delivery, assisted delivery (forceps or vacuum), and Caesarean section.
• Postpartum care: Learn about maternal and neonatal care, including monitoring for postpartum haemorrhage and infections.

4. Common Obstetric and Gynaecological Conditions

• Obstetric conditions:
  • Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia: Hypertensive disorders that can have serious consequences.
  • Gestational diabetes: Affects glucose metabolism and requires careful monitoring.
  • Placenta previa and placental abruption: Placental disorders that can cause complications during pregnancy and labour.
• Gynaecological conditions:
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): An endocrine disorder that affects menstruation and fertility.
  • Endometriosis: Endometrial tissue outside the uterus, leading to pain and fertility issues.
  • Fibroids: Benign uterine growths causing symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding.

5. Contraception

• Understand different contraceptive options—barrier methods, hormonal contraceptives, and permanent methods.

6. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• Be familiar with common STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HPV.

7. Cancer Screening and Prevention

• Cervical cancer screening: Understand the guidelines for Pap smears and HPV testing.
• Breast cancer screening: Be aware of risk factors and screening methods like mammograms.

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