Lankford – Physiologic Changes of Pregnancy Part II

The lecture focuses on high-risk obstetrics, combining physiological changes of pregnancy and OB ultrasound through case-based examples. Hematologic changes in pregnancy are discussed, emphasizing increased erythropoiesis and plasma volume, alongside the diagnosis and management of placenta accreta spectrum, including surgical techniques and risk factors related to prior cesarean deliveries. The lecture also covers endocrine changes, particularly thyroid disorders, detailing the impact of maternal hyperthyroidism on fetal health and treatment strategies involving PTU and methimazole. Additionally, the discussion addresses cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies, their diagnosis via ultrasound, and various treatment options, including methotrexate and surgical interventions, further exploring immune system alterations during pregnancy and their implications for infection susceptibility. The lecture concludes with neural tube defects, emphasizing the importance of folate intake and showcasing a complex case involving an EXIT procedure complicated by amniotic fluid embolism.