Does postpartum hemorrhage count as dystocia?

Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the very important causes that endanger the lives of mothers. Although hemorrhage is not considered as dystocia, conditions of dystocia can induce severe hemorrhage. This is because complications such as trauma to the birth canal and uterine atony might occur after dystocia. These issues are triggers for severe postpartum hemorrhage. Even in normal cesarean sections, there can be cases of severe postpartum hemorrhage, thus postpartum hemorrhage is not counted as dystocia, but dystocia can easily induce severe postpartum hemorrhage.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Can I eat donkey-hide gelatin after severe postpartum hemorrhage?

During the entire process of postpartum hemorrhage, it is still necessary to promptly understand the specific causes of the postpartum hemorrhage in order to treat the condition accordingly. Normally, after a major postpartum hemorrhage, it is first necessary to promptly ascertain the specific value of hemoglobin. If the hemoglobin is low, causing severe anemia, it is also recommended to promptly supplement with red blood cells or plasma to improve the blood condition of the body. During major postpartum hemorrhage, oral administration of donkey-hide gelatin can also have a very good regulatory effect on the body, achieving the effect of replenishing qi and blood.

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Causes of postpartum hemorrhage

The causes of postpartum hemorrhage can be summarized into four main reasons: First is related to the placenta; second is lacerations in the soft birth canal; third is coagulation dysfunction; fourth is uterine atony, among which uterine atony is the most common cause. So, how can one determine if postpartum hemorrhage is caused by uterine atony? Clinically, after the placenta is delivered, examination of the soft birth canal is conducted. Upon examining the uterus, if it is found that the outline of the uterus is unclear and pressing on it results in a lot of blood and blood clots flowing out from the uterine cavity, then the uterus becomes firm when pressed and softens when not pressed. This situation indicates uterine atony. Other injuries, such as lacerations in the soft birth canal, are generally detected during an examination. There are also factors related to the placenta and coagulation dysfunction, which are the four main causes of postpartum hemorrhage.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Postpartum hemorrhage patient care

During the process of postpartum hemorrhage, there are several considerations for the care of patients with postpartum hemorrhage. First, during the patient care process, it is necessary to closely monitor whether the contraction of the uterus is good, monitor the height of the uterine fundus, and the specific vaginal bleeding situation. Moreover, it is also necessary to provide a light and nutritious diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods. Due to the massive bleeding caused by the surgical process, patients are generally weak, so it is recommended to rest more, avoid excessive fatigue, and also avoid looking after the newborn again to prevent various body disorders.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Postpartum Hemorrhage Emergency Response Process

Firstly, it is necessary to administer IV fluids to the patient and establish two venous accesses to urgently replenish blood volume. Then, it is important to manage breathing to ensure the patient's airway is clear, and provide oxygen if necessary. Patient's vital signs should also be checked for any abnormalities. Additionally, treatment should be given based on the cause of bleeding. If the bleeding is due to poor uterine contraction, it is crucial to promptly enhance uterine contractions to quickly stop the bleeding. At this time, uterotonic agents can be used, or manual uterine massage can be employed to stem the bleeding. If the bleeding is caused by a surgical incision, then the incision needs to be sutured properly.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Postpartum hemorrhage uterine suturing method

If postpartum hemorrhage occurs, it is foremost important to actively seek the specific causes of the bleeding to achieve timely and rapid hemostasis. It is also necessary to quickly replenish blood volume to prevent shock and infection. Meanwhile, if there is localized bleeding, active local suturing treatment should be pursued to control the bleeding. Normally, if the postpartum bleeding is light, suturing the uterus in the conventional way will suffice. However, if the bleeding is caused by uterine atony or similar reasons and oxytocics are ineffective, procedures like ascending ligation of the uterine arteries or uterine compression sutures and binding can be performed to effectively stop the bleeding.