Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
08:07
Electromyometrial Imaging of Uterine Contractions in Pregnant Women
Published on: May 26, 2023
Emergency department presentations for problems in early pregnancy
Devon Indig1, Alexandra Warner, Anne Saxton
1Centre for Health Research in Criminal Justice, Justice Health, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, 152 Bunnerong Road, Eastgardens, NSW 2035, Australia. devon.indig@justicehealth.nsw.gov.au
Summary
Women presenting to the emergency department (ED) with early pregnancy issues often do so after hours or on weekends. One-fourth of these women require hospital admission, with ectopic pregnancy significantly increasing this likelihood.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain are common reasons for emergency department (ED) visits during early pregnancy.
- Understanding the characteristics of these presentations is crucial for optimizing care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize demographic, service delivery, and diagnostic aspects of early pregnancy emergency department visits.
- To identify factors influencing service delivery outcomes for these patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 12,061 electronic ED presentations in NSW, Australia (2008) for early pregnancy issues.
- Descriptive statistics and adjusted odds ratios were employed to analyze patient characteristics and service delivery outcomes.
Main Results:
- Early pregnancy presentations constituted 1.2% of all female ED visits.
- Average patient age was 29.3 years; 25% were 35+.
- 28% presented on weekends and 37% after hours.
- 70% were seen per triage, with a median ED length of stay under 4 hours.
- Hospital admission occurred in 25% of cases, 3.8 times more likely with ectopic pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Findings can inform hospitals and clinicians in refining service delivery models for early pregnancy ED care.
- Improving ED care for early pregnancy complications is essential.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:22Appendicitis-I: Introduction
The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
01:30Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...
01:27Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such as Proteus,...