Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology
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Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol · Feb 2012
ReviewMassive obstetric haemorrhage with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy.
Massive obstetric haemorrhage is a major contributor towards maternal morbidity and mortality. The main causes are abruptio placentae, placenta praevia and postpartum haemorrhage. Clinicians managing pregnant women should be equipped with the knowledge and skills for managing massive obstetric haemorrhage to institute timely and appropriate life-saving treatment. ⋯ Surgical measures used to avoid peripartum haemorrhage include uterine compression sutures, uterine balloon tamponade, uterine artery, and internal iliac artery ligation. Tranexamic acid and recombinant factor VII are more recent medical interventions in massive postpartum haemorrhage. Education, regular drills and adherence to guidelines and protocols are important to reduce haemorrhage-related maternal deaths.
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Women with inherited bleeding disorders may face several haemostatic challenges during pregnancy and childbirth. Pregnancy in these women requires specialised and individualised care. Prenatal diagnosis is primarily considered in families affected by severe bleeding disorder such as haemophilia. ⋯ However, they are at increased risk of primary and secondary postpartum haemorrhage. The fetus, if severely affected, is at risk of cranial bleeding during labour and delivery. Appropriate haemostatic cover during labour and delivery, avoidance of prolonged labour and traumatic delivery, and active management of third stage of labour can minimise the risk of bleeding complications for the mother and her fetus.