“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Uterine atony is a condition in which the uterus fails to contract properly after childbirth, leading to excessive bleeding. It is a common cause of postpartum hemorrhage, which is a serious complication that can lead to maternal morbidity and mortality.
The causes of uterine atony can vary, but some common risk factors include:
The symptoms of uterine atony can include heavy bleeding, a soft or "boggy" feeling uterus, and a decrease in blood pressure. Treatment for uterine atony typically involves prompt administration of medications such as oxytocin, misoprostol, or carboprost tromethamine to stimulate uterine contractions, as well as manual massage of the uterus to help it contract. In severe cases, surgical interventions such as a uterine artery ligation or a hysterectomy may be necessary.
Prevention measures for uterine atony include careful management of labor and delivery, monitoring of uterine contractions and blood loss, and prompt recognition and treatment of any abnormalities. Women who have a history of uterine atony may be advised to have a planned cesarean delivery in future pregnancies to reduce the risk of complications.