Post-Partum Problems Flashcards
Define puerperium. When is it said to have ended?
Time from delivery until 6 weeks
The time for the uterus to involute.
When most of the physiological changes of pregnancy have returned to the pre-pregnancy state (apart from lactation and psychological strains).
What are the potentially life-threatening post-partum problems? (6)
Postpartum Haemorrhage Thromboembolic disease Psychiatric disorders Pre-eclampsia Sepsis Cardiac disease
What was the maternal death rate in 2012-2014 (per 100,000 births)?
8.5 per 100,000
Maternal deaths - how many died due to medical and/or mental health problems in pregnancy (%)?
How many of these women had these conditions before they became pregnant (%)?
2/3
3/4
Maternal deaths - how many died from direct complications of pregnancy (%)?
1/3
What is the biggest cause of maternal death (2012-14) according to MBRRACE-UK?
SBAR should be used to improve communicaiton. What does it stand for?
Cardiac disease
Situation
Background
Assessment
Recommendation
What is post-partum haemorrhage?
Excessive bleeding following delivery
What is primary post-partum haemorrhage?
> 500ml blood loss from the genital tract within 24 hours of delivery
What is secondary post-partum haemorrhage?
Abnormal bleeding from the genital tract, from 24 hours after delivery to 6 weeks
Which is more common - primary or secondary PPH? What is the incidence?
Primary - it is the leading worldwide cause of maternal death
5%
What are the four main causes of primary PPH?
Tone - uterine atony (70%)
Tissue - retained placenta (9%)
Trauma - vulval or vaginal lacerations (20%)
Thrombin - coagulopathy (1%)
What causes 80% of primary PPH?
Uterine atony (tone) Retained placenta/fragments of placenta (tissue)
What causes 20% of primary PPH?
Vulval or vaginal lacerations (trauma)
Coagulopathy (thrombin)
What are the predisposing factors for primary PPH? (9)
Antepartum haemorrhage in this pregnancy Placenta praevia Multiple pregnancy Pre-eclampsia Nulliparity (never having given birth) Previous PPH Maternal obesity Maternal (increased) age Multiparity (having given birth to >4 children)
What are the intrapartum risk factors for primary PPH? (7)
Emergency or elective C-section Retained placenta Episiotomy Operative vaginal delivery Labour >12 hours >4kg baby Maternal pyrexia in labour
How is primary PPH managed? (7)
IV access (2 x 14 gauge cannulae)
Monitor clinically
Oxygen by mask
Indwelling urinary catheter (to ensure bladder is empty)
Bimanual uterine compression (to stimulate contractions)
Uterotonics
Surgery