What medications are used for uterine atony?

Initial Medical Treatment

  • Oxytocin (Pitocin) can be given IV 10 to 40 units per 1000 ml or 10 units intramuscularly (IM).
  • Methylergonovine (Methergine) given IM 0.2 mg.
  • 15-methyl-PGF2-alpha (Hemabate) given IM 0.25 mg.
  • Misoprostol (Cytotec): 800 to 1000 mg placed rectally.

What is the most common cause of uterine atony?

Atony of the uterus, also called uterine atony, is a serious condition that can occur after childbirth. It occurs when the uterus fails to contract after the delivery of the baby, and it can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition known as postpartum hemorrhage.

What is the most common cause of early postpartum hemorrhage?

Uterine atony. This is the most common cause of PPH. It happens when the muscles in your uterus don’t contract (tighten) well after birth. Uterine contractions after birth help stop bleeding from the place in the uterus where the placenta breaks away.

Can oxytocin cause uterine atony?

Prolonged exposure to oxytocin during augmentation of labour is associated with uterine atony and an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) due to oxytocin receptor desensitization.

How do you manage uterine atony?

Uterine atony is responsible for most cases and can be managed with uterine massage in conjunction with oxytocin, prostaglandins, and ergot alkaloids. Retained placenta is a less common cause and requires examination of the placenta, exploration of the uterine cavity, and manual removal of retained tissue.

How can I stop uterine atony?

Initial prevention and management of uterine atony requires active management of the third stage of labor. This includes performing uterine massage while gently pulling the end of the umbilical cord in order to detach the entire placenta from the uterine walls.

Can urine retention cause uterine atony?

Postpartum urinary retention can damage detrusor muscles and parasympathetic nerves of the bladder wall and change detrusor function, as well. Also, increased levels of progesterone during pregnancy and the early puerperium period might cause bladder atony and facilitate detrusor damage (12, 18, 19).

Can full bladder cause uterine atony?

Uterine atony can also occur when the uterine muscles fatigue during the delivery process because of a prolonged labor. It can also happen when a woman is unable to empty her bladder, since a full bladder can push against the uterus and interfere with uterine contractions.

Who is at highest risk for postpartum hemorrhage?

Who is at a higher risk for postpartum hemorrhage?

  • Multiple pregnancies.
  • Having twins, triplets or more.
  • Birthing a large baby (9 pounds or more).
  • Too much amniotic fluid.

What are the 4 T’s of PPH?

As a way of remembering the causes of PPH, several sources have suggested using the “4 T’ s” as a mnemonic: tone, tissue, trauma, and thrombosis.

What are the signs of uterine atony?

The main sign of uterine atony is postpartum hemorrhage, or excessive blood loss after delivery. This can cause a drop in the arterial blood pressure and consequently increase the heart rate. Individuals may also experience pain, especially in the lower back.

What are the signs and symptoms of uterine atony?

The symptoms of postpartum hemorrhage—caused by uterine atony—include:

  • Uncontrollable bleeding.
  • Low blood pressure.
  • An increase in heart rate (pulse)
  • Back pain.
  • Other pain.

How do you fix uterine atony?

For cases of uterine atony, with complications, other treatment may be necessary to replace fluids and blood loss such as:

  1. Intravenous (IV) fluids.
  2. Blood transfusions.
  3. Blood products.

What should the nurse do with uterine atony?

The best safeguard against uterine atony is to palpate the client’s fundus at frequent intervals to ensure her uterus remains contracted. The fundus should be firm to compress the bleeding vessels at the placenta site.

What are the 3 main causes of postpartum hemorrhage?

What causes postpartum hemorrhage?

  • Tear in the cervix or tissues of the vagina.
  • Tear in a blood vessel in the uterus.
  • Bleeding into a hidden tissue area or space in the pelvis. This mass of blood is called a hematoma. It is usually in the vulva or vagina.
  • Blood clotting disorders.
  • Placenta problems.

What are the 4 causes of PPH?

What is the most serious type of bleeding?

Arterial bleeding, also called pulsatile bleeding, is the most serious type of bleeding. It’s usually caused by major injuries. Since arterial blood flows from the heart, it’s oxygenated and bright red.

Why is oxytocin given in post partum haemorrhage?

Oxytocin is one such drug. Oxytocin prevents excessive postpartum bleeding by helping the uterus to contract. It is given to the mother by injection into a vein or into muscle during or immediately after the birth of her baby.