Shock and pregnancy
Description
Shock is a life-threatening condition that causes multi-organ dysfunction due to the reduced supply of oxygen to the tissues and organs. Different types of shocks differ in the cause of the shock itself and not all of them are common in pregnancy. Due to the physiological changes that occur in the cardiovascular system during pregnancy, shock may be challenging to identify in pregnant women. The suffering of the fetus may be the first sign of shock.
Symptoms
Symptoms differ according to the type of shock.
Hemorrhagic shock:
- Increased heartbeats
- Low blood pressure
- Cold, clammy skin
- Vaginal bleeding
- Continuous abdominal pain
- Decreased urine output
Septic shock:
- Increased heartbeats
- Low blood pressure
- Fever
- Rapid breathing
Go to the hospital if you have any of these symptoms and a team of doctors including a Gynaecologist will treat you to save you and your baby's life
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View MoreCauses
Different causes lead to different types of shocks, from the main causes of shock:
- Hemorrhage caused by trauma or other reason
- Severe infections
- Heart disease
- Amniotic fluid embolism
Diagnostics
The medical history, clinical signs, and symptoms are used for the diagnosis of this fatal condition in addition to some laboratory tests, especially in the case of shock caused by severe infections.
Treatment
Patients with any type of shock should be transferred to the hospital for proper management.
Hemorrhagic shock:
- Giving oxygen
- Giving intravenous fluid replacement
- Blood transfusion
- Identifying the source of bleeding and stopping it
Septic shock:
- Maintenance of open airway and administering oxygen
- Fluid replacement
- Medications:
- Antibiotics (ex: Penicillin g, Vancomycin, tazobactam & Piperacillin, Amikacin, Gentamicin, Clindamycin)
- Corticosteroids (ex: Hydrocortisone butyrate)
- Vasopressors (ex: Noradrenaline)
