women s health issues
Excessive Uterine Bleeding at Delivery
Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage
Before a woman goes into labor, doctors take steps to prevent or prepare for excessive bleeding after delivery. For example, they determine whether the woman has any conditions that increase the risk of bleeding (such as too much amniotic fluid or a bleeding disorder). These conditions are treated if possible. If a woman has an unusual blood type, blood of that type is on hand in case she needs a blood transfusion. Delivery should be slow and as gentle as possible. Doctors usually give a womanoxytocinthrough an intravenous line or inject it into a muscle.Oxytocinhelps the uterus contract and helps reduce blood loss. After delivery of the placenta, a woman is monitored for at least 1 hour to make sure that the uterus has contracted and to assess bleeding. 