Knowra Uterine atony Uterine atony Uterine atony is failure of the uterus to contract effectively after childbirth. It can cause severe postpartum hemorrhage because contraction normally compresses blood vessels at the placental site.
Postpartum hemorrhage : Excessive bleeding after childbirth, arising from causes such as uterine atony, trauma, retained tissue, or clotting disorders. Uterine atony is a leading cause of this broader emergency.
Uterine massage : A manual technique that stimulates uterine contraction by rubbing or compressing the uterus. It is used to stimulate tone when atony is suspected.
Involution : The postpartum process by which the uterus returns toward its pre-pregnancy size and condition. Normal involution depends partly on sustained uterine contraction after birth.
Active management of the third stage of labor : A set of interventions around placental delivery intended to reduce postpartum hemorrhage. Its practices, especially prophylactic uterotonics, are central to preventing atonic bleeding.
Uterine contraction : Shortening and tightening of uterine muscle, driven by coordinated activity in myometrial cells. Effective contractions compress placental-site vessels and limit bleeding.
Oxytocin : A hormone that stimulates uterine smooth-muscle contractions and milk ejection. It is commonly administered to prevent or treat atonic bleeding.
Third stage of labor : The stage of childbirth from delivery of the baby until delivery of the placenta. Atonic bleeding often emerges around placental delivery and the immediate postpartum period.
Uterine atony risk factors : Maternal, labor, and uterine conditions associated with increased likelihood of postpartum uterine atony. Risk prediction may help target prevention, but atony can occur without known risk factors.
Myometrium : The thick layer of smooth muscle forming most of the uterine wall. This muscle layer must contract after birth to achieve uterine tone.
Carboprost : A prostaglandin F2α analogue used to induce uterine contractions in obstetric care. It can be used when bleeding persists despite initial uterotonic treatment.
Show all 22