Tshililo Mashamba

By Tshililo J. Mashamba

Caesarean section is a procedure performed to save the life of the fetus and sometime to save the life of the woman. Although risks are low, affected women suffer from severe complications. The first caesarean section performed has a bearing on management of subsequent pregnancies. It is crucial that the procedure is performed when necessary. The evolution of caesarean section has shown marked improvement in maternal outcome especially after the introduction of antibiotics. The resistance of bacteria to antibiotics may lead to rethinking about the procedure performed long ago to try and minimised complications related to sepsis. Complications of caesarean sections are common in patients who have had a previous caesarean section. Training in previous caesarean sections will be vital in preventing these complications.

Part of the book: Current Topics in Caesarean Section

By Tshililo Mashamba

Multiple pregnancy is condition where more than one offsprings are formed. This result from either fertilization of more than one ovum individually by separate sperms or division of fertilized ovum. The implantation sites may be in different part of the genital organs and even the peritoneal cavity. The physiology of monozygotic multiple pregnancy is not fully understood as the trigger has not yet been identified. The incidence of multiple pregnancy is increasing, and this is as a result of assisted reproductive technologies.

Part of the book: Multiple Pregnancy

By Tshililo Mashamba

Multiple pregnancy is a condition where more than one fetus occupy the same intrauterine cavity. By means of its rarity in spontaneous pregnancies, it indicates that that by nature the human female uterus is programmed to carry one fetus at a time. The incidence of multiple pregnancy is on the increase because of fertility treatment especially assisted reproductive technology. Unfortunately, multiple pregnancy is associated with several complications from conception until the postpartum period. Maternal uterine anomalies also pose special challenges if associated with multiple pregnancy from diagnosis until management. Miscarriages are higher and some of them are not noticed if the pregnancy continues with one fetus. There are complications related to uterine space like preterm labour which is the commonest. Rupture of membranes with or without preterm labour is also common. Monochorionic multiple pregnancies poses specific challenges in respect to abnormalities during organogenesis from embryonal to vascular malformations. Fetus growth discordance and single twin demise are uncommon but challenging.

Part of the book: Multiple Pregnancy