Uterine atony is when the uterus loses its ability to contract after delivery, causing heavy bleeding and low blood pressure. Women at risk include those who have long labors, deliver large or multiple babies, or have had many pregnancies. Preventative measures include synthetic oxytocin and massaging the muscles, but emergency surgery may be necessary if bleeding persists.
Uterine atony is a condition in which the muscles of a woman’s uterus lose their tone and ability to contract after delivery. Heavy bleeding and low blood pressure can occur, presenting a host of other health problems. Women who spend several hours in labor, deliver large or multiple babies, or have had several pregnancies in the past are at a higher risk of developing this problem. Healthcare providers usually take precautions to prevent the condition during labor, although complications can still occur. Treatment includes intravenous medications, massage techniques to stimulate contractions, and emergency surgery to stop the excessive blood loss.
A woman’s uterine muscles usually contract to stop bleeding after delivery and the placenta. Muscles work to narrow exposed blood vessels, stopping blood flow and repairing the uterine walls. Uterine atony causes the uterus to relax and prevent the muscles from contracting regularly. Unrestricted blood vessels can release huge amounts of blood, leading to severe bleeding and low blood pressure.
Many different factors can contribute to insufficient muscle contractions. Women who experience long and difficult deliveries may develop the condition due to overstraining the muscles. Giving birth to twins or an older-than-average baby can cause muscles to stretch beyond their limits, leaving them limp and unable to contract properly. Individuals may also have problems if they have had many children in the past, usually more than four. The condition can also occur due to the numbing effects of anesthesia, a serious infection, or medications that relax the muscles as a side effect.
Medical professionals and attending nurses usually try to take preventive measures during childbirth to avoid bleeding and uterine atony. A healthcare professional might try to strain the uterine muscles by guiding a baby with their hands. At-risk women are often given synthetic oxytocin, a chemical that supplements natural hormones to help the uterus return to normal after delivery. Doctors and nurses can also try massaging the muscles during childbirth to restore proper function and promote contractions.
If preventative measures aren’t effective, health care providers take immediate steps to stop the blood loss. The muscles are continuously massaged and additional intravenous oxytocin is administered. When uterine atony persists, a woman may need to have emergency surgery. A surgeon can tie off blood vessels to prevent bleeding or perform a hysterectomy, in which the entire uterus is removed. In some cases, blood transfusions are needed to restore healthy blood pressure levels. Most women are able to recover from their symptoms with immediate treatment, although they are generally at a high risk of having future problems with subsequent births.
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