Postpartum Haemorrhage
| Clotting | Factors V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XII, von Willebrand factor and fibrinogen (doubles) rise; antithrombin III and protein S fall; fibrinolysis is reduced | A hypercoagulable state: protects against postpartum haemorrhage but raises the risk of venous thromboembolism |
Treatment at a glance
- Oxytocin
- Tranexamic acid 1 g IV within 3 hours
- Uterine massage, empty the bladder
What our notes say
- | Clotting | Factors V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XII, von Willebrand factor and fibrinogen (doubles) rise; antithrombin III and protein S fall; fibrinolysis is reduced | A hypercoagulable state: protects against postpartum haemorrhage but raises the risk of venous thromboembolism | (Physiological changes in pregnancy)
- Haemorrhage — including intraoperative or postpartum haemorrhage. (Junior Clerkship in Reproductive Health II CAT — October 2022)
- After delivery, actively manage and look for complications such as postpartum haemorrhage, uterine rupture, genital tract trauma and sepsis, and assess the newborn for hypoxia/trauma. (Junior Clerkship in Reproductive Health II CAT — October 2022)
- After delivery: resuscitate the baby and check for injury (clavicle and arm), prevent postpartum haemorrhage by active management of the third stage, repair tears, document clearly, and counsel and debrief the parents. (Junior Clerkship in Reproductive Health (MBOG 4200): end of year examination, 4 )
- Topics: antenatal care, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, postpartum haemorrhage, ectopic pregnancy, gestational diabetes, labour, contraception, pelvic inflammatory disease and cervical screening. (Obstetrics and Gynaecology Question Bank: 12 Clinical MCQs)
- A soft, boggy uterus indicates uterine atony, the commonest cause of postpartum haemorrhage. (Obstetrics and Gynaecology Question Bank: 12 Clinical MCQs)
Study material on Postpartum Haemorrhage
- Junior Clerkship in Reproductive Health II CAT — October 2022
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Question Bank: 12 Clinical MCQs