Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Which factor puts a client at risk for postpartum hemorrhage?

Which factor puts a client at risk for postpartum hemorrhage?

Understanding Postpartum Hemorrhage: Key Risk Factors
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a significant concern in maternal health, characterized by excessive bleeding following childbirth. It is defined as a blood loss of more than 500 milliliters after a vaginal delivery and more than 1,000 milliliters after a cesarean section. The implications of PPH can be severe, leading to complications such as shock, organ failure, and even maternal death. Identifying clients at risk is crucial for preventing this potentially life-threatening condition.
Major Risk Factors for Postpartum Hemorrhage
1. Uterine Atony:
One of the most common causes of PPH is uterine atony, where the uterus fails to contract effectively after delivery. This can happen due to several reasons, including prolonged labor, overdistension of the uterus (often seen in cases of multiple gestations or excessive amniotic fluid), and the use of certain medications during labor.
2. Trauma During Delivery:
Physical trauma during delivery, including lacerations or uterine rupture, significantly increases the risk of PPH. Factors such as the size of the baby, the use of forceps or vacuum extraction, and previous pelvic surgeries contribute to the likelihood of such trauma.
3. Retained Placenta:
Retained placental tissue is another critical risk factor. If fragments of the placenta remain in the uterus post-delivery, they can prevent the uterus from contracting properly, leading to excessive bleeding. This is often more prevalent in women who have had previous cesarean sections or other uterine surgeries.
4. Coagulation Disorders:
Women with known bleeding disorders or those who develop coagulopathy during pregnancy are at heightened risk for PPH. Conditions such as thrombocytopenia or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) can compromise the body’s ability to form clots, exacerbating blood loss.
5. Maternal Factors:
Certain maternal health conditions, such as obesity, hypertension, or diabetes, can also increase the risk of PPH. Additionally, advanced maternal age has been associated with a greater likelihood of complications during delivery.
6. Previous History of PPH:
A personal history of postpartum hemorrhage is one of the most significant predictors of future episodes. Women who have experienced PPH in prior pregnancies should be closely monitored during and after delivery.
7. Infection:
Maternal infections, especially chorioamnionitis (infection of the amniotic fluid), can lead to complications that increase the risk of PPH. These infections can impair the uterus’s ability to contract effectively and may contribute to retained placenta.
Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance
Understanding the various risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage is essential for healthcare providers as they devise strategies to manage and mitigate these risks. Early identification and proactive management can dramatically improve outcomes for mothers, ensuring safer deliveries and reducing the prevalence of this serious complication. As we continue to advance our understanding of maternal health, a keen focus on these risk factors will be instrumental in fostering a safer environment for childbirth.

What is the risk factor of postpartum?

Postpartum depression risk factors
People at risk of developing postpartum depression include: People with a lot of other stress in their life. Parents of a sick or colicky baby. People who had depressive episodes before or during pregnancy.

Which patient would be at the highest risk for postpartum hemorrhage?

The No. 1 risk factor for PPH is atony — or atypical uterine contraction post-placental delivery. Overdistension of uterine muscle. This factor occurs most commonly after twin or large-infant delivery.

What patients are at risk for postpartum hemorrhage?

Conditions that may increase the risk for postpartum hemorrhage include the following:

  • Placental abruption. The early detachment of the placenta from the uterus.
  • Placenta previa.
  • Overdistended uterus.
  • Multiple pregnancy.
  • Gestational hypertension or preeclampsia.
  • Having many previous births.
  • Prolonged labor.
  • Infection.

Which is a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage quizlet?

Risk factors include delivery of a large infant, induction or augmentation of labor with oxytocin, or use of forceps or vacuum extractor. A large amount of vaginal bleeding may be noted, but the fundus may be firm on palpation.

Which factor increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage?

Certain factors during labor and delivery can increase your risk of hemorrhage: Receiving general anesthesia (getting put to sleep) You were given medications to stop labor contractions (tocolytics) Prolonged labor or prolonged exposure to oxytocin (Pitocin®) to help your uterus contract.

What are the risk factors for hemorrhage?

Certain procedures or medical conditions can increase your risk for acquired bleeding disorders, such as:

  • Blood transfusions.
  • Bowel diseases or bowel surgery.
  • Cancer.
  • Congenital or acquired heart diseases.
  • Hypothyroidism.
  • Immune disorders, including autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
  • Infections.

Which client is at the greatest risk for a postpartum infection?

The clients at the greatest risk for postpartum infection include those who give birth to a larger baby, require catheterization after voiding, or experience excessive blood loss during childbirth.

Which factor puts a client on her first postpartum day at risk for hemorrhage?

The factor that puts a multiparous client on her first postpartum day at risk for developing hemorrhage is uterine atony. Uterine atony refers to the inability of the uterus to contract effectively after childbirth, which can lead to excessive postpartum bleeding or hemorrhage.

What is the most common risk factor of postpartum hemorrhage?

Uterine atony, which accounts for 80% of all cases of PPH, is the most common cause of PPH, followed by trauma related bleeding due to laceration or incision. Additional etiologies for PPH include retained placenta and coagulopathy.

Is age a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage?

Conclusions. Maternal age ≥35, history of preterm birth, cesarean section, newborn weight >4 kg, and neonatal asphyxia were risk factors of PPH, which can help evaluate PPH in Tibet.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment