Recommended options in preventing the postpartum hemorrhage

Abstract

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a major public health problem due to complications that have a direct impact on the most important reproductive health indicators: maternal morbidity and mortality. It is a leading reason for peripartum hysterectomy, admission of pregnant women to intensive care units, and massive blood transfusion. In the most severe cases, hemorrhagic shock may lead to anterior pituitary ischemia, occult myocardial ischemia, dilutional coagulopathy. Post-partum anemia increases the risk of post-partum depression. To decrease the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage the conditions that are known to be associated with PPH and these women should be identified. Careful anamnesis and obstetrical examination should be done to screen for risk factors in pregnancy and labor. To assure minimal blood loss during delivery several measures are proposed in international protocols. The knowledge of prophylaxis measures is useful to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity from PPH. Conclusions: The knowledge of prophylaxis measures is useful to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity from PPH. Actually, for prophylaxis of postpartum hemorrhage, evidence based medicine recommend correction of anaemia, use of the partograph in labor and the close supervision first two hours after the delivery.