Postpartum Hemorrhage Part 1: Definition, Diagnosis & Risk

Course overview

Obstetrical hemorrhage is one of the three leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide every year. Postpartum bleeding is far and away the most frequent cause of obstetrical hemorrhage; postpartum bleeding complicates 5% of all deliveries and is the cause of approximately 500 maternal deaths in the United States each year. Medical errors in deliveries that are complicated by postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. In addition, lawsuits in this arena are often exceptionally costly. When PPH occurs, more extensive knowledge of key risk and documentation issues can significantly improve patient care and reduce the potential for litigation. PPH is presented in two separate activities. In this activity, Postpartum Hemorrhage Part 1: Definition, Diagnosis & Risk, we present and discuss evidence-based literature and cases to inform practitioners about etiologies, risk factors, management, complications, and litigation issues associated with the high-risk obstetric problem of PPH. After completing this activity, practitioners should be able to: recognize the pathophysiology of mechanisms for control of postpartum bleeding and the etiology of postpartum hemorrhage; define postpartum hemorrhage for primary and secondary subtypes; perform quantitative blood loss with a standardized methodology; practice risk factor identification for hemorrhage antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum; and identify role-specific responsibilities for each stage of PPH.