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Treatment for Post Partum Hemorrhage

Post partum hemorrhage is a serious and potentially life threatening complication of child birth. It can happen after both vaginal and c section births. About four percent of women experience post partum hemorrhage after the birth of their babies.

If a woman is bleeding excessively after the birth of a baby, doctors will perform certain tests to get a definitive diagnosis. There are other causes of bleeding that will be ruled out, including lacerations, retained placenta and uterine rupture.

Diagnosis is made using a few techniques. One is blood work. Doctors are looking at hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in the blood to help arrive at a correct diagnosis. Ultrasound may be done to get a look inside the uterine cavity to ensure there are no other causes of the bleeding.

Once the doctor has diagnosed the problem as post partum hemorrhage, there are a range of possibilities to treat the condition. This generally includes checking the uterus for atony, which is a soft uterus that isn’t constricting as it should. In some cases, massaging the uterus can help it contract and stop the bleeding.

Drugs such as pitocin may be administered. This medication works by causing the uterus to contract, as it does in labor induction or augmentation. This may be enough to stop the hemorrhage and avoid more serious complications. Prostaglandins are sometimes used for the same purpose. Other medications, including ergonovine, methylergonovine and carboprost may be given to control bleeding and cause uterine contractions.

In some cases, if a significant amount of blood is lost, a blood transfusion may be needed. In this case, your blood will be typed to ensure you are getting the right type of blood. In some cases, giving the wrong blood can be deadly. For this reason, they will most likely test the blood, even if you know your blood type.

Related Articles:

Post Partum Hemorrhage

Natural Remedies to Aid in Postpartum Healing

Post Partum Anemia

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About Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. Just before her third child was born, the family relocated to Pennsylvania to be near family. She stopped teaching and began writing. This gives her the opportunity to work from home and be with her children. She enjoys spending time with her family, doing crafts, playing outside at the park or just hanging out together.