Obstetrical hemorrhage

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Obstetrical hemorrhage refers to excessive bleeding occurring in a woman during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or the postpartum period. It is a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide, making it a critical condition that requires immediate medical attention. Understanding its causes, risk factors, and management strategies is essential for improving maternal and fetal outcomes.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Obstetrical hemorrhage can be caused by various factors, which are often classified based on the timing of the bleeding:

  • Antepartum hemorrhage: Occurs before labor begins. Common causes include placenta previa, abruptio placentae, and vasa previa.
  • Intrapartum hemorrhage: Occurs during labor and delivery. Causes can include uterine rupture and retained placenta.
  • Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH): Occurs after the delivery of the baby. The most common causes are uterine atony, retained placental tissue, and genital tract trauma.

Risk Factors[edit | edit source]

Several factors can increase the risk of obstetrical hemorrhage, including but not limited to:

  • Previous history of obstetrical hemorrhage
  • Multiple gestations
  • Prolonged labor
  • Overdistended uterus (e.g., due to polyhydramnios or a large baby)
  • Use of certain medications (e.g., oxytocin)
  • High maternal age
  • Pre-eclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Management[edit | edit source]

The management of obstetrical hemorrhage depends on its cause, timing, and severity. Key strategies include:

  • Prevention: Identifying and managing risk factors before they lead to hemorrhage.
  • Active management of the third stage of labor: Includes the administration of uterotonic drugs immediately after the birth of the baby to reduce the risk of PPH.
  • Medical management: Use of medications such as oxytocin, misoprostol, and tranexamic acid to control bleeding.
  • Surgical interventions: In cases where medical management is ineffective, surgical options such as uterine artery embolization, manual removal of the placenta, or hysterectomy may be necessary.
  • Blood transfusions: May be required to replace lost blood volume and treat anemia.

Complications[edit | edit source]

If not promptly and effectively managed, obstetrical hemorrhage can lead to several serious complications, including:

  • Shock
  • Organ failure
  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
  • Sheehan's syndrome (postpartum pituitary gland necrosis)
  • Death

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Obstetrical hemorrhage remains a significant challenge in obstetric care. Early recognition, prompt management, and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial to improving outcomes for both mothers and babies. Ongoing research and education are needed to develop and disseminate effective strategies for prevention and management.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD