Technical Areas
Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage
As the leading cause of maternal death, postpartum hemorrhage
is responsible for an estimated one-quarter of the approximately half-million
maternal deaths
each year. Preventing postpartum hemorrhage, therefore, would significantly
reduce maternal death and disability.
Postpartum hemorrhage is most likely to start between the birth of the newborn and the delivery of the placenta. Hemorrhage during this time, the third stage of labor, is most often caused by delayed delivery of the placenta or lack of uterine contractions. Excessive bleeding can also occur as a result of prolonged labor or uterine rupture.
Fortunately, feasible, low-cost, and evidence-based interventions have been identified to prevent and address postpartum hemorrhage. A skilled birth attendant who can actively manage the third stage of labor can save the life of a woman by stopping hemorrhage through administering drugs that contract the uterus, applying cord traction and counter traction to the uterus, massaging the uterus through the abdomen, and monitoring for further bleeding.
Educating pregnant women and their families on the importance of a skilled attendant at delivery is an essential part of preventing maternal mortality. Ensuring that health care providers - whether they attend births in the home or at a health facility - are trained in active management of the third stage of labor for all births and have available essential drugs and equipment is also critical to prevent death from postpartum hemorrhage.
Adapted from: USAID, Bureau for Global Health. January 2003. "Saving Women's Lives: Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage." Issue Brief. Health, Infectious Disease, and Nutrition. Washington, DC: USAID.
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