Third stage of labour

Question 1

How would you explain how bleeding stops to a woman after expulsion of the placenta?

Answer 1

• The uterus is composed of a unique interlacing network of muscle fibres
• After delivery of the infant, when the placenta separates from the uterine wall, these fibres contract and constrict the blood vessels.
• This blood-saving mechanism is known as the ‘living ligatures’ or physiological sutures of the uterus.