Postpartum Woman at RISK Flashcards
What is a potentially life threatening problem that may occur after a vaginal or cesarean birth?
Postpartum Hemorrhage
What is the leading cause of maternal death for both developed and developing countries?
Postpartum hemorrhage
Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as a blood loss of how much?
500 mL after vaginal birth
1000 mL after cesarean
Morbidity with postpartum hemorrhage can be severe and may include what?
Shock from blood loss Organ failure Edema Thrombosis Acute respiratory distress Anemia ICU admissions and prolonged hospitalizations
What is a major obstetric hemorrhage defined as?
More than 1500-2000 mL that requires more than 5 units of transfused blood
What is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage?
Uterine Atony
When will a Primary PP Hemorrhage occur?
within 24 hours of birth
When will a Delayed PP Hemorrhage occur?
24 hours-12 weeks after birth
Uterine Atony
Failure of the uterus to contract and retract after birth
What are other PP problems that may occur and cause postpartum hemorrhage?
Obstetric lacerations Uterine inversion/rupture Episiotomy Retained fragments Macrosomia Coagulation disorders Failure to progress to second stage Placenta accrete Induction w/ oxytocin Surgical birth Hematomas
What are the 4 T’s to remember the causes of PP Hemorrhage?
Tone
Tissue
Trauma
Thrombin
Tone
Uterine atony
Distended bladder
Altered uterine muscle tone is usually the result of what?
Over distention of the uterus
Over-distention of the uterus can be caused by?
Multiple gestation Fetal macrosomia Hydramnios Fetal abnormality Placenta previa Precipitous birth Retained fragments Prolonged or rapid labor Bacterial toxins
Tissue
Retained placental fragments/clots
Uterine subinvolution
Uterine contractions and retraction leads to what?
Detachment and expulsion of the placenta after birth
Failure to complete placental separation and expulsion leads to?
Retained fragments/clots which occupy space and prevent uterus from contracting fully
What must happen after the placenta comes out?
Inspect for tears of fragments left inside because it could indicate accessary lobe or placenta accreta
Trauma
lacerations
hematoma
inversion
rupture
Thrombin
coagulapathy
Mild Symptoms of Shock
Loss of 20% blood volume
- diaphoresis
- increased capillary refill
- cool extremities
- maternal anxiety
Moderate Symptoms of Shock
20-40% blood loss
- tachycardia
- postural hypotension
- oliguria
Severe Symptoms of Shock
> 40% blood loss
- Hypotension
- Agitation or confusion
- Hemodynamic instability
Uterine Subinvolution
the incomplete involution of the uterus or failure to return to its normal size and condition after birth
When does subinvolution typically happen?
When the myometrial fibers of the uterus do not contract effectively and cause relaxation
Causes of Subinvolution
Retained placental fragments Distended Bladder Excessive maternal activity prohibiting recovery Uterine Myoma Infection
Complications from Uterine Subinvolution
Hemorrhage
Pelvic peritonitis
Salpingitis
Abscess formation
What will you see clinically with Uterine Subinvolution?
- PP fundal height higher than expected
- Boggy uterus
- Lochia fails to change from red to serosa to alba in a few weeks
When is uterine subinvolution typically identified?
at 4-6 week PP visit with bimanual exam or ultrasound
Treatment for uterine subinvolution is directed towards what?
Stimulating the uterus to expel fragments w/ a uterine stimulant, and antibiotics given to prevent infection
When can trauma to the genital tract occur?
Spontaneously or through manipulations used during birth
Lacerations and Hematomas can cause what?
significant blood loss
How can hematomas present?
They may present as pain or as a change in vital signs disproportionate to the amount of blood loss
What are the most common causes of hematomas?
Episiotomy
Nulliparity
Using instruments to assist birth
When does Uterine Inversion occur?
when the top of the uterus collapses into the inner cavity due to excessive fundal pressure or pulling on the umbilical cord when the placenta is still firmly attached
Treatment for Uterine Inversion
Uterine relaxants and immediate replacement manually by the healthcare provider
Who is uterine ruptures more common for?
Women with previous cesarean incisions or those who’ve had previous surgeries
Previous surgeries that may cause uterine rupture are?
Myomectomy Peroration of uterus during D&C Biopsy of Uterus Intrauterine system placement VBAC patients
Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Rupture
Pain
FHR abnormalities
Vaginal bleeding
Cervical lacerations should always be suspected when?
the uterus is contracted and bright red blood continues to come out of the vagina
Thrombosis helps to prevent what immediately after birth?
Postpartum hemorrhage
How does thrombosis help to prevent PPH?
by providing hemostasis