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Clinical specialties17 min read·

UKMLA Obstetrics & Gynaecology: Pregnancy Emergencies

The RCOG-aligned O&G emergency pillar — pre-eclampsia/eclampsia with magnesium sulphate, HELLP, ectopic, miscarriage, anti-D, previa vs abruption, PPH 4Ts, CTG interpretation, cord prolapse, ovarian torsion, and PID.

Obstetrics and gynaecology is the UKMLA specialty where a wrong answer most directly risks two lives. The AKT examines this with weight. A typical paper contains 20–30 O&G stems, spread across pregnancy emergencies (pre-eclampsia, ectopic, APH, PPH), labour complications (cord prolapse, CTG interpretation, abnormal progress), and acute gynaecology (ovarian torsion, PID, ruptured cyst). The emergency stems cluster tightly — they recur, they are time-critical, and they reward candidates who have drilled the RCOG-aligned algorithms over those who reason from general principles.

Candidates usually lose O&G marks because they confuse placenta praevia with abruption, because they miss magnesium sulphate as first-line for eclamptic seizure (instead reaching for lorazepam), because they don't know the quantitative PPH stages, or because they fail to identify ovarian torsion as the correct diagnosis in the young woman with sudden unilateral pelvic pain. All of these are preventable with pattern-recognition drills.

This masterclass walks through the O&G emergencies and high-yield gynaecology presentations the UKMLA tests aggressively, aligned to current RCOG Green-top Guidelines, NICE NG133 (hypertension in pregnancy), NICE CG154 (ectopic/miscarriage), and the GMC content map's "reproduction" and "acute care" themes. Each section closes with the AKT stem patterns and the common distractors the exam uses to catch candidates out.

Table of contents

  1. Why O&G emergencies carry exam weight
  2. Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia
  3. HELLP syndrome
  4. Ectopic pregnancy
  5. Miscarriage — types and management
  6. RhD alloimmunisation and anti-D prophylaxis
  7. Antepartum haemorrhage — previa vs abruption
  8. Postpartum haemorrhage
  9. Abnormal labour and CTG interpretation
  10. Cord prolapse
  11. Ovarian torsion
  12. Ruptured ovarian cyst
  13. Pelvic inflammatory disease
  14. Common AKT question patterns
  15. FAQ

1. Why O&G emergencies carry exam weight

The GMC content map has "pregnancy" and "vaginal bleeding" as standalone presentations, but O&G content also drives questions across prescribing (teratogens, NICE-aligned antihypertensives), emergencies (peripartum haemorrhage, eclamptic seizure), and legal/ethical stems (Gillick competence, domestic violence screening, consent in labour).

Candidates lose O&G marks disproportionately because many UK medical students have limited peripartum exposure during placement, and IMGs often trained in systems where labour management is obstetrician-led with less student involvement. The AKT corrects for this by testing RCOG-aligned decision logic that is drillable even if your clinical exposure is thin.

Your target: 75%+ subscore on O&G Q-bank filters. Pair this post with the emergency presentations masterclass for shared acute-care framing (fluid resuscitation, major haemorrhage protocol, sepsis six).

2. Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia

Definition (NICE NG133 and ISSHP 2018). New-onset hypertension ≥140/90 after 20 weeks' gestation + ≥1 of:

  • Proteinuria (urine PCR ≥30 mg/mmol or ≥300 mg/24 hours)
  • Maternal organ dysfunction (renal, liver, haematological, neurological)
  • Uteroplacental dysfunction (fetal growth restriction)

Severe pre-eclampsia (any of):

  • BP ≥160/110
  • Significant proteinuria with organ dysfunction
  • Clonus (≥3 beats), brisk reflexes
  • Persistent severe headache
  • Visual disturbance (scotoma, blurring, photopsia)
  • Epigastric/RUQ pain
  • Platelets <100
  • Deranged LFTs
  • Creatinine rising
  • Pulmonary oedema
  • IUGR or abnormal fetal Dopplers

Management:

  • Antihypertensive first-line: labetalol (oral 200–400 mg TDS, or IV 20–80 mg for severe). Alternative: nifedipine PO (use modified-release, not sublingual). Methyldopa PO (third-line; avoid postpartum due to depression risk).
  • Target BP: <135/85 aiming for diastolic 80–85.
  • Avoid ACEi, ARBs, thiazides — all teratogenic or cause fetal renal dysfunction.
  • Magnesium sulphate for eclampsia prophylaxis in severe pre-eclampsia: 4 g IV loading + 1 g/hour infusion for 24 hours or until 24 hours post-delivery.
  • Delivery is the definitive treatment. Timing depends on gestation and severity. Severe pre-eclampsia at term → deliver. <34 weeks → steroids for fetal lung maturity + stabilise, then deliver when maternal/fetal condition dictates.

Eclampsia. Tonic-clonic seizure in pre-eclampsia. Management:

  1. ABCDE, lay in left lateral position, high-flow oxygen.
  2. Magnesium sulphate 4 g IV loading over 5–10 min + 1 g/hour infusion for 24 hours. If recurrent seizure, further 2 g IV bolus.
  3. Control BP (labetalol IV).
  4. Deliver once stabilised (usually caesarean).
  5. Monitor for Mg toxicity (loss of deep tendon reflexes, respiratory depression, cardiac arrest — treat with IV calcium gluconate).

Prevention in high-risk women. Aspirin 75–150 mg OD from 12 weeks to delivery. High risk: prior pre-eclampsia, chronic HTN, CKD, T1/T2DM, autoimmune. Moderate risk (≥2): first pregnancy, age ≥40, BMI ≥35, family history, multiple pregnancy.

AKT question pattern. 28-weeks pregnant woman with BP 170/110, headache, proteinuria 2+, hyperreflexia. First drug? IV labetalol. Prophylaxis? IV magnesium sulphate 4 g loading + 1 g/hour.

3. HELLP syndrome

Definition. Haemolysis + Elevated Liver enzymes + Low Platelets. Variant of pre-eclampsia spectrum; can occur without hypertension or proteinuria.

Classic presentation. RUQ or epigastric pain + nausea/vomiting + malaise in late pregnancy or early postpartum.

Lab criteria:

  • Haemolysis (raised LDH, unconjugated bilirubin, fragmented red cells on film)
  • AST/ALT raised (often >70, sometimes much higher)
  • Platelets <100 × 10⁹/L

Management:

  • Stabilise maternal BP (labetalol).
  • Magnesium sulphate for seizure prophylaxis.
  • Transfuse platelets if <20 or actively bleeding / pre-procedure.
  • Delivery is definitive — usually caesarean unless rapidly progressing labour.
  • Steroids for fetal lung maturity if <34 weeks (single dose betamethasone).
  • Observe in HDU/ICU — risk of DIC, acute liver injury, abruption, subcapsular liver haematoma rupture.

AKT question pattern. 32-weeks pregnant woman with RUQ pain + nausea + platelets 72 + AST 220. Diagnosis? HELLP syndrome. Action? Stabilise + urgent obstetric review for delivery.

4. Ectopic pregnancy

Definition. Pregnancy implanted outside uterine cavity. 97% tubal.

Risk factors. Prior ectopic, PID, tubal surgery, IVF, IUD in situ, smoking, endometriosis, age >35.

Presentation. Amenorrhoea/positive pregnancy test + unilateral pelvic pain + vaginal bleeding. Ruptured ectopic: shoulder-tip pain (diaphragmatic irritation), haemodynamic shock, peritonism.

Investigation:

  • Urine or serum β-hCG — positive.
  • Transvaginal ultrasound — gold standard. Looks for intrauterine gestational sac. No IUP + empty uterus + β-hCG >1500 IU/L (discriminatory zone) = suspicious for ectopic.
  • Serial β-hCG in pregnancy of unknown location (PUL): normal IUP doubles every 48 hours; ectopic rises slowly or plateaus; miscarriage falls by >50% in 48 hours.

Management (NICE CG154):

Surgical (salpingectomy/salpingostomy):

  • Pain + haemodynamically unstable → laparoscopy urgent.
  • Adnexal mass >35 mm.
  • Visible fetal heartbeat.
  • β-hCG >5000 IU/L.
  • Ruptured (haemoperitoneum).

Medical (methotrexate):

  • Asymptomatic/minimally symptomatic.
  • No fetal heartbeat.
  • β-hCG <5000 IU/L.
  • Adnexal mass <35 mm.
  • No contraindications (must be willing to comply with follow-up and avoid pregnancy ≥3 months).

Expectant:

  • Asymptomatic.
  • β-hCG <1000 IU/L and falling.
  • Small ectopic with no fetal heartbeat.
  • Reliable follow-up.

AKT question pattern. 29-year-old, 7 weeks amenorrhoea, sudden severe right iliac fossa pain, hypotensive, positive pregnancy test. Next step? Urgent laparoscopy + IV access + crossmatch + IV fluids.

5. Miscarriage — types and management

Definitions:

  • Threatened miscarriage: vaginal bleeding + closed os + viable pregnancy confirmed on USS.
  • Inevitable miscarriage: bleeding + open os + products not yet passed.
  • Incomplete miscarriage: some products passed, some retained in uterus.
  • Complete miscarriage: all products passed; empty uterus on USS.
  • Missed miscarriage: fetal death but no symptoms; USS shows non-viable pregnancy.
  • Septic miscarriage: infection complicating any of the above. Fever, foul discharge, sepsis. Emergency.
  • Recurrent miscarriage: ≥3 consecutive first-trimester losses (UK) — full workup indicated.

Management options:

  • Expectant: 7–14 days observation. Works in many first-trimester miscarriages.
  • Medical: misoprostol (800 mcg vaginal; or 600 mcg PO then further doses 4–6 hours apart).
  • Surgical: manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) or surgical management of miscarriage (SMM) under GA.

Rhesus-negative women having any surgical/instrumentation procedure or significant bleeding after 12 weeks need anti-D (see below).

Recurrent miscarriage workup: parental karyotyping, antiphospholipid antibodies (lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin), thrombophilia screen, pelvic USS/hysteroscopy, thyroid function.

AKT question pattern. 8 weeks' pregnancy, heavy bleeding, USS shows retained products 20 mm. Options? Expectant, medical (misoprostol), or surgical (MVA). Patient choice.

6. RhD alloimmunisation and anti-D prophylaxis

Why it matters. RhD-negative mother + RhD-positive fetus → sensitisation events cause maternal anti-D antibodies → future RhD-positive fetuses suffer haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), fetal hydrops, stillbirth.

Routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis (RAADP):

  • Single dose 1500 IU at 28 weeks (one-dose regimen), OR
  • Two doses 500 IU at 28 and 34 weeks (two-dose regimen).

Sensitising events — give anti-D within 72 hours:

  • Miscarriage >12 weeks.
  • Miscarriage <12 weeks if instrumentation (MVA/SMM).
  • Ectopic pregnancy.
  • Termination of pregnancy (any gestation).
  • Amniocentesis/CVS/fetal blood sampling.
  • Antepartum haemorrhage.
  • External cephalic version.
  • Abdominal trauma.
  • Delivery (if baby RhD positive — give post-delivery within 72 hours).

Kleihauer test. Quantifies fetomaternal haemorrhage after potential large bleed. Adjusts anti-D dose if FMH >4 mL.

AKT question pattern. RhD-negative woman 16 weeks with abdominal trauma. Action? Anti-D immunoglobulin within 72 hours + Kleihauer to assess dose.

7. Antepartum haemorrhage — previa vs abruption

Definition. Vaginal bleeding after 24 weeks before delivery.

Placenta praevia

  • Placenta overlies internal os (partial/marginal/complete).
  • Painless bright-red bleeding.
  • Soft non-tender uterus.
  • Fetal heart usually reassuring.
  • Diagnosis: TVUS (safe in praevia).
  • Do not do digital vaginal examination — risk of torrential haemorrhage.
  • Management: admit, crossmatch, IV access, anti-D if RhD negative. Delivery by caesarean at 36–37 weeks (if stable). Earlier if bleeding severe/repeated/fetal compromise.

Placental abruption

  • Painful vaginal bleeding (dark, sometimes concealed).
  • Tense "woody" uterus, tender.
  • Shock disproportionate to observable blood loss (concealed haemorrhage).
  • Fetal distress common.
  • Risk factors: HTN/pre-eclampsia, trauma, cocaine, smoking, prior abruption, PPROM, polyhydramnios.
  • Complications: DIC, fetal demise, maternal AKI, PPH.
  • Management: ABCDE, crossmatch 4+ units, IV fluids, anti-D if RhD negative, urgent delivery (usually caesarean unless rapidly progressive labour).

Vasa praevia (rare but examined). Fetal vessels traverse membranes over internal os. Painless bleeding of fetal origin at membrane rupture — fetal distress rapid. Emergency caesarean. Often diagnosed antenatally on USS with colour Doppler.

AKT question pattern. 36 weeks pregnant, painless fresh bright red bleeding, soft uterus. Diagnosis? Placenta praevia. First action? Admit, no digital VE, TVUS to confirm, plan caesarean at 36–37 weeks.

8. Postpartum haemorrhage

Definition. Blood loss >500 mL after vaginal delivery or >1000 mL after caesarean. Primary PPH = within 24 hours; secondary = 24 hours to 12 weeks post-delivery.

Causes — the 4 Ts:

  • Tone (uterine atony) — 70% of PPH
  • Trauma (perineal/cervical/vaginal tears) — 20%
  • Tissue (retained placenta/products)
  • Thrombin (coagulopathy — DIC, pre-existing disorders, anticoagulation)

Management (stepwise):

Stepwise resuscitation:

  1. Call for help (obstetric + anaesthetic + blood bank).
  2. ABCDE; lay flat; two large-bore cannulae; bloods (FBC, coag, crossmatch 4–6 units, fibrinogen).
  3. Massive haemorrhage protocol if >1500 mL or ongoing.
  4. Warm IV fluids 1–2 L crystalloid; blood products 1:1:1 as for major haemorrhage.
  5. Tranexamic acid 1 g IV within 3 hours of bleed onset (per WOMAN trial).

Stepwise uterotonic ladder (atonic uterus):

  1. Bimanual uterine compression.
  2. Syntocinon (oxytocin) 5 units IV slow bolus + infusion 40 units in 500 mL.
  3. Ergometrine 500 mcg IM (avoid in HTN, pre-eclampsia).
  4. Carboprost (Hemabate) 250 mcg IM every 15 min up to 8 doses (avoid in asthma).
  5. Misoprostol 800 mcg PR if other options unavailable.

Mechanical/surgical escalation:

  • Intrauterine balloon tamponade (Bakri balloon).
  • B-Lynch suture.
  • Internal iliac artery ligation or embolisation.
  • Hysterectomy as last resort.

Secondary PPH. Usually retained products or endometritis. Antibiotics (co-amoxiclav + metronidazole) ± surgical evacuation.

AKT question pattern. 1 hour post vaginal delivery, 1200 mL blood loss, boggy uterus on palpation, BP 95/55. First steps? Call help + bimanual compression + IV syntocinon + TXA 1 g + escalate to major haemorrhage if ongoing.

9. Abnormal labour and CTG interpretation

Normal labour stages:

  • First stage: latent (0–4 cm, variable duration) → active (4–10 cm, 1 cm/hour nulliparous, 1.5 cm/hour multiparous).
  • Second stage: full dilatation to delivery (up to 3 hours nulliparous with epidural; 2 hours without).
  • Third stage: delivery of placenta (up to 30 min with active management; up to 60 min expectant).

Abnormal labour — key patterns:

  • Failure to progress in first stage: <2 cm dilatation in 4 hours → amniotomy + oxytocin augmentation → reassess in 4 hours → consider caesarean if still inadequate.
  • Failure to progress in second stage: delayed descent → consider instrumental (ventouse/forceps) or caesarean.
  • Obstructed labour: cephalopelvic disproportion, malposition (deep transverse arrest, occipitoposterior), malpresentation (brow, face, breech). Risk: uterine rupture — emergency caesarean.

CTG interpretation — DR C BRAVADO:

  • Define risk (high/low)
  • Record contractions (frequency + duration)
  • C — no specific letter, mnemonic structure.
  • Baseline rate (normal 110–160)
  • Variability (normal >5 bpm)
  • Accelerations (reassuring — ≥2 in 20 min)
  • Decelerations (absence reassuring; early, variable, late concerning)
  • Overall impression

Decelerations:

  • Early: mirror contractions; benign (head compression).
  • Variable: vary in shape/timing with contractions; cord compression; concerning if deep/prolonged/late.
  • Late: onset after contraction peak, recovery after contraction ends; placental insufficiency/hypoxia — pathological.

Classification:

  • Normal: all features reassuring.
  • Suspicious: 1 non-reassuring feature.
  • Pathological: ≥2 non-reassuring, or 1 abnormal feature (bradycardia <100 for >3 min, sinusoidal pattern, late decelerations).

Action on pathological CTG:

  1. Maternal position change (left lateral).
  2. IV fluids.
  3. Stop oxytocin.
  4. Tocolysis (terbutaline) if uterine hyperstimulation.
  5. Fetal blood sampling (fetal scalp pH) if available and appropriate.
  6. Urgent delivery (instrumental or caesarean) if fetal compromise and delivery imminent.

AKT question pattern. CTG shows late decelerations + reduced variability + baseline 165. Action? Left lateral position, IV fluids, stop oxytocin, call senior, plan urgent delivery.

10. Cord prolapse

Definition. Umbilical cord descends through cervix below or alongside presenting part after membrane rupture.

Risk factors. Malpresentation (breech, transverse), multiparity, preterm, polyhydramnios, long cord, low-lying placenta, artificial rupture of membranes with high head.

Diagnosis. Visible or palpable cord on vaginal examination; fetal bradycardia after membrane rupture.

Management (emergency):

  1. Call for help; activate emergency caesarean pathway.
  2. Relieve pressure on cord: elevate presenting part manually by VE + knee-chest or Trendelenburg position.
  3. Fill bladder with 500 mL saline via Foley if delay expected.
  4. Tocolysis (terbutaline 250 mcg SC) to reduce contractions.
  5. Avoid handling the cord (vasospasm).
  6. Immediate caesarean unless vaginal delivery imminent and safe.

AKT question pattern. Membranes ruptured, fetal bradycardia, cord palpable at vaginal examination. First actions? Call for help, elevate presenting part, knee-chest position, urgent caesarean.

11. Ovarian torsion

Presentation. Sudden severe unilateral pelvic pain, often after exercise or intercourse. Nausea/vomiting. Adnexal mass on examination/USS.

Risk factors. Ovarian cyst/mass (especially >5 cm), pregnancy (first trimester), ovulation induction, prior torsion.

Investigation. Pregnancy test (rule out ectopic), pelvic USS with Doppler (reduced ovarian blood flow; enlarged tender ovary). CT if diagnostic uncertainty.

Management. Urgent laparoscopy + detorsion (preserve ovary if possible, even if appearing ischaemic — can recover with reperfusion). Cystectomy during same procedure if benign-appearing cyst. Oophorectomy only if irreversible necrosis or malignancy suspected.

Time-sensitive. Ovarian viability drops significantly after 24 hours; optimal outcome with detorsion <6–8 hours.

AKT question pattern. 24-year-old, sudden severe right iliac fossa pain 4 hours ago, 6 cm right ovarian cyst on USS, Doppler shows reduced flow. First step? Urgent laparoscopic detorsion.

12. Ruptured ovarian cyst

Presentation. Sudden onset pelvic pain, often mid-cycle (physiological follicular/corpus luteal rupture) or associated with intercourse. May have syncope from peritoneal irritation.

Key differentials. Ectopic pregnancy (always pregnancy test), appendicitis, ovarian torsion, PID.

Management. Most resolve with conservative management (analgesia, observation, rule out other causes). Significant haemoperitoneum or haemodynamic compromise → laparoscopy for haemostasis.

Special scenario — ruptured haemorrhagic corpus luteum cyst in anticoagulated women: can cause substantial haemoperitoneum. Surgical management often needed.

13. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Definition. Infection of upper reproductive tract (endometritis, salpingitis, parametritis, oophoritis, tubo-ovarian abscess).

Causes. Ascending STI (commonly Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae); mixed anaerobic/aerobic flora.

Presentation. Lower abdominal/pelvic pain, deep dyspareunia, abnormal vaginal bleeding/discharge, fever. Cervical motion tenderness on bimanual. Adnexal tenderness.

Investigation. Triple swabs (endocervical NAAT for chlamydia/gonorrhoea, high vaginal swab), pregnancy test, bloods, ?pelvic USS (for tubo-ovarian abscess).

Management (BASHH 2019):

  • Outpatient: ceftriaxone 1 g IM stat + doxycycline 100 mg BD + metronidazole 400 mg BD for 14 days.
  • Admit for IV therapy if severe (systemically unwell, TOA, pregnancy, HIV, failed outpatient).
  • Remove IUD if present and severe infection/failed treatment.
  • Contact tracing via sexual health service.

Complications. Tubo-ovarian abscess (surgical drainage ± IV abx), Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (perihepatitis — RUQ pain), infertility, ectopic pregnancy risk, chronic pelvic pain.

AKT question pattern. 22-year-old with bilateral lower abdominal pain, fever, deep dyspareunia, cervical motion tenderness. Empirical treatment? Ceftriaxone 1 g IM + doxycycline + metronidazole for 14 days.

14. Common AKT question patterns

Seven O&G stem templates recur.

Template 1 — Antepartum bleed — previa vs abruption. Stem gives presence/absence of pain + uterine tone + fetal status. Mistake: not letting pain/tone discriminate cleanly.

Template 2 — Eclamptic seizure management. Seizing pregnant woman. Mistake: lorazepam first (wrong — magnesium sulphate).

Template 3 — PPH uterotonic ladder. Stepwise drugs. Mistake: ergometrine in pre-eclampsia (contraindicated — raises BP) or carboprost in asthma.

Template 4 — Ectopic management route. β-hCG + size + stability → surgical vs medical vs expectant. Mistake: missing unstable criteria.

Template 5 — CTG interpretation. Late decelerations pattern; identify as pathological and plan delivery.

Template 6 — Cord prolapse emergency response. Elevate presenting part + knee-chest + immediate caesarean.

Template 7 — RhD prophylaxis timing. Identify sensitising events; give anti-D within 72 hours.

MLA Prep tags every O&G question by template + RCOG guideline, so you drill the exact decision pattern the AKT is testing. Start the free diagnostic to benchmark your O&G subscore in 20 minutes.

15. FAQ

How many AKT marks come from O&G? Approximately 20–30 of 200 stems directly touch O&G content, with additional overlap in prescribing (teratogens) and ethics (consent in labour, Gillick).

Do I need to memorise all drug dose specifics? Yes for high-yield: magnesium sulphate loading/infusion, tranexamic acid 1 g IV, oxytocin 5 units bolus + 40-unit infusion, ergometrine 500 mcg IM, carboprost 250 mcg IM.

When is aspirin given in pregnancy for pre-eclampsia prevention? 75–150 mg OD from 12 weeks until delivery in high-risk and moderate-risk women (≥2 moderate criteria).

What's the discriminatory zone for β-hCG and intrauterine pregnancy? Typically 1500 IU/L for TVUS — if β-hCG above this with no visible IUP, ectopic strongly suspected. Some centres use 1000–2000.

Are DOACs used in pregnancy? No — contraindicated. LMWH (tinzaparin or enoxaparin) is the anticoagulant throughout pregnancy and 6 weeks postpartum.

How is gestational diabetes managed? Screen at 26–28 weeks (or earlier if high-risk). OGTT (75 g, 2 hour). Diet + exercise first. Metformin if glycaemic targets not met. Insulin if further escalation needed. Post-delivery: 6-week postnatal fasting glucose; T2DM risk 30–50% within 10 years.

What's the management of PROM? Pre-labour rupture of membranes at term: expectant 24 hours or immediate induction. Preterm PROM (<37 weeks): admit, antibiotics (erythromycin 250 mg QDS for 10 days), antenatal steroids if <34 weeks, expectant until 34 weeks or signs of chorioamnionitis.

Do I need to know emergency contraception? Yes — levonorgestrel 1.5 mg within 72 hours; ulipristal 30 mg within 120 hours; copper IUD within 120 hours (most effective).

How is group B streptococcus managed in pregnancy? Intrapartum benzylpenicillin IV if positive carriage, previous affected baby, GBS bacteriuria in pregnancy, or preterm labour.

What counts as a term baby? 37+0 to 41+6 weeks. Post-dates is ≥42+0. Preterm: <37 weeks. Extreme preterm: <28 weeks.

How is shoulder dystocia managed? HELPERR — Help called, Episiotomy considered, Legs (McRoberts), Pressure (suprapubic), Enter (internal rotation manoeuvres), Remove (posterior arm), Roll (to all fours). Symphysiotomy or Zavanelli as last resort.


O&G emergencies are finite and algorithmic. Seven templates, a handful of drug doses (magnesium sulphate, oxytocin, ergometrine, carboprost, tranexamic acid), and a tight set of pattern discriminators (praevia vs abruption, ectopic vs miscarriage, torsion vs cyst rupture) cover the vast majority of AKT O&G stems. Drill those and you convert a specialty with thin placement exposure into a confident 75%+ subscore.

Pair this masterclass with the emergency presentations post for the shared major-haemorrhage framing, the NICE guidelines post for teratogen and UK antihypertensive alignment, and the 12-week plan which slots O&G into weeks 6–7 for most candidates.

MLA Prep's O&G module covers all seven templates above with RCOG-aligned stems, CTG-interpretation drills, and dose-precise prescribing questions. Start the free diagnostic to benchmark your O&G subscore, or compare plans for full access.

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