Postpartum Hemorrhage

Updated on

April 30, 2024

The postpartum period, a time of joy and celebration, can also present unexpected challenges, one of which is postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). It accounts for the majority of the 14 million cases that occur each year. Postpartum hemorrhage is a significant and potentially life-threatening complication that requires prompt recognition, rapid intervention, and expert nursing care to ensure the well-being of the mother. As nursing professionals, understanding the risk factors, early signs, and evidence-based interventions for PPH is crucial in providing comprehensive care and support during this critical phase of the maternal journey.

This article aims to serve as a comprehensive nursing guide to postpartum hemorrhage, delving into its causes, assessment techniques, and multidisciplinary management.

What is Postpartum Hemorrhage?

  • Postpartum hemorrhage occurs when a woman loses more than 500 mL of blood in a normal delivery and more than 1,000 mL of blood in a cesarean delivery within 24 hours.

Pathophysiology

Risk Factors

These are the risk factors that you should watch out for in a postpartum woman.

Signs and Symptoms

You would not be able to miss out on the signs and symptoms of postpartum hemorrhage if you take a look at our list.

Medical Interventions

Compliance to these medical interventions is critical for the survival of the patient. These would be ordered to ensure the safety of the patient and restore her well-being.

  • Administration of Pitocin. If the uterus is unable to contract, the physician might prescribe Pitocin to maintain the tone of the uterus.
  • Administration of Carboprost tromethamine. This is a prostaglandin derivative that could help in promoting sustained uterine contractions.
  • Blood transfusion. Cross matching and blood typing is necessary to replace the blood loss.
  • Administration of oxygen. If the woman is experiencing respiratory distress, administration of oxygen at 4L/min via face mask could be prescribed by the physician.

Surgical Management

Surgical management is essential to remove the cause of bleeding and avoid further depletion of the body’s fluid stores.

Nursing Management

Nurses also need to intervene early or during the course of a hemorrhage to help the patient regain her strength and vitality. The data that the nurse would give would be essential in the care of the patient with hemorrhage.

Nursing Assessment

  • Assess the amount of bleeding.
  • Assess maternal vital signs to establish baseline data.
  • Assess for signs of shock.
  • Assess the condition of the uterus.

Nursing Diagnosis

Nursing Interventions

  • Save all perineal pads used during bleeding and weigh them to determine the amount of blood loss.
  • Place the woman in a side lying position to make sure that no blood is pooling underneath her.
  • Assess lochia frequently to determine if the amount discharged is still within the normal limits.
  • Assess vital signs, especially the blood pressure

Evaluation

  • Maternal blood pressure is higher than 100/60 mmHg.
  • Pulse rate is within the normal range of 60-100 beats per minute.
  • Flow of lochia is less than a saturated pad per hour.

Now that the new member of the family has arrived, the lives of those around him are certain to change. The best events are yet to come, but the safety and health of both the mother and the baby should still be monitored. Education from the health care providers is most important so their lives would go on sailing smoothly and happy memories would be made together.

10 responses to “Postpartum Hemorrhage”

  1. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    wow. good job. educating and sharing your experience to everyone around the globe. we appreciate.

    mike, R.N Kenya.

  2. Pankaj Bhatt Avatar
    Pankaj Bhatt

    Nice… Overview in PPH…
    Thanks for your sharing knowledge..

  3. Charles Avatar
    Charles

    Very informative
    Charles RN Kenya

  4. Setuson RN Avatar
    Setuson RN

    Very helpful for student nurses

  5. EUNICE ATITOH Avatar
    EUNICE ATITOH

    Thanks for the knowledge

    Eunice RN Kenya

  6. Pooja Avatar
    Pooja

    But concusion billiography or summary

  7. NOYAL FRANCISCA A Avatar
    NOYAL FRANCISCA A

    It was helpful for me….Thank you so much….expecting more info….Thank you 🙏🤗🙏

  8. Yadwinder Avatar
    Yadwinder

    Whenever i got stuck with some topic,
    I come to nurseslabs.
    Thankyou 💫💯

    1. Matt Vera BSN, R.N. Avatar
      Matt Vera BSN, R.N.

      You’re very welcome! We’re delighted to be your go-to resource when you need help with nursing topics. If you ever find yourself stuck on anything else or have more questions in the future, don’t hesitate to return. Your dedication to learning and growth in the field of nursing is truly admirable. Keep up the fantastic work, and we’re here to support you every step of the way! 🩺📖🌟💯✨

  9. Charity Avatar
    Charity

    Very good and direct to the the point I liked it .but I would like to add something,the management is not very clear because we are dealing with a nurse or midwife’s management it should be precise and has to contain the steps a nurse or midwife would take to stop the bleeding .thanks again it’s a nice site to learn from.i got something.

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