Postpartum Hemorrhage Management

OBGYN · OBGYN/Emergency · 10–20 min

Stepwise resuscitation and control of postpartum hemorrhage (4 Ts).

Indications

  • Blood loss > 500 mL vaginal / > 1000 mL LSCS

Equipment

  • Two large-bore IVs
  • Cross-matched blood
  • Oxytocin, ergometrine, carboprost, misoprostol
  • Bakri balloon
  • Surgical kit

Positioning

  • As appropriate for the procedure and patient comfort.

Consent

  • Explain indication, benefits, alternatives
  • Explain risks & complications
  • Obtain written/verbal consent as per SOP
  • Document consent

Universal precautions

  • Hand hygiene
  • PPE — gloves, mask, eye protection
  • Aseptic technique
  • Sharps safety
  • Verify patient identity & site

Step-by-step (0/9)

Tap to complete

1. Call for help

Team activation.

2. ABC + O2 + 2 IVs

3. Uterine massage + empty bladder

4. Oxytocin 10 IU IM + infusion

5. Ergometrine 0.2 mg IM

6. Carboprost 250 µg IM q15min (max 8)

7. Misoprostol 800 µg PR

8. Tranexamic acid 1 g IV

9. Balloon tamponade / surgical

Immediate complications

  • Shock
  • DIC
  • Cardiac arrest

Delayed complications

  • Sheehan's syndrome
  • Fistula
  • Death

Recognition

  • Ongoing bleeding
  • Hypotension

Initial management

  • Escalate quickly

Prevention

  • Active management of 3rd stage

Post-procedure observation

  • Vitals q15min × 1h then hourly

Monitoring

  • Site inspection
  • Symptom review

Documentation

  • Procedure note
  • Consent
  • Findings

Patient instructions

  • Report pain, bleeding, fever, worsening symptoms

Drugs used in this procedure

Educational bedside guide. Perform only under supervision until competent. Follow local SOPs and consent policy.

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