Dealing with Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) the right way

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), which is commonly defined as the loss of 500 ml or more of blood within the first 24 hours after delivery, is a potentially fatal disorder that happens after childbirth. Recognizing and responding quickly to PPH demands rapid action.. Here are some steps that healthcare professionals usually take in managing postpartum hemorrhage:

1. Early recognition: Healthcare professionals should keep a close eye out for the warning signs and symptoms of PPH, which include heavy bleeding, a quickening heartbeat, low blood pressure, pale skin, and indications of shock. For proper management to begin, prompt recognition is essential.

2. Call for help: Give obstetricians, midwives, and nurses the necessary information to help with the problem. Effective management of PPH frequently necessitates a multidisciplinary approach.

3. Fundal massage: Start by giving the uterine fundus (the top of the uterus) a strong massage to encourage uterine contractions, which can help stop bleeding. Until the uterus is hard and constricted, the massage should be performed with gloves on.

4. Administer uterotonic drugs: To stop bleeding, people frequently take drugs like oxytocin, which cause uterine contractions. If more medication is required, it may be given, such as misoprostol or ergometrine. Local protocols and unique patient characteristics influence the particular drugs and their dosages.

5. Assess for retained placental tissue: Healthcare professionals should think about the likelihood of retained placental tissue if the bleeding continues despite uterine massage and medicines. To solve the problem, a surgical treatment or manual placenta removal may be required.

6. Fluid resuscitation: Intravenous fluids (often crystalloids) should be given to the woman if she exhibits symptoms of hypovolemia or shock in order to restore blood volume and stabilize her state. In serious circumstances, blood transfusion may also be required.

7. Surgical interventions: To stop bleeding, surgical procedures may occasionally be required. This might entail techniques like uterine artery ligation, uterine compression stitches, or, in extremely rare circumstances, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).

8. Close monitoring and further management: The woman should be closely watched for any indications of continued bleeding or problems after early stabilization. To determine the degree of blood loss and direct further care, laboratory procedures such complete blood counts and coagulation investigations may be carried out.

It is crucial to understand that PPH care varies based on the extent of the bleeding, the resources at hand, and the unique characteristics of the patient. The aforementioned processes give a general overview, but the precise actions should be determined by well-established clinical criteria and the knowledge of healthcare professionals.