What is uterine atony

A fetal arrhythmia is an irregular heart rate — too fast, too slow, or otherwise outside the norm. It's often benign. Postpartum diarrhea after a C-section is normal. Sharing our experiences of pregnancy and infant loss can help us heal.

Using breast milk for eczema is a popular home remedy. Here's what the research says about acupuncture for your morning sickness. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Parenthood Pregnancy Atony of the Uterus. What Are the Symptoms of Atony of the Uterus? The symptoms of hemorrhage include: excessive and uncontrolled bleeding following the birth of the baby decreased blood pressure an increased heart rate pain a backache. What Causes Atony of the Uterus?

Diagnosing Atony of the Uterus. Your doctor may also test or monitor the following: pulse rate blood pressure red blood cell count clotting factors in the blood.

Complications of Atony of the Uterus. Other complications of uterine atony include: orthostatic hypotension, which is lightheadedness or dizziness due to low blood pressure anemia fatigue an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage in a later pregnancy Anemia and fatigue after birth also increase the chances of a mother having postpartum depression.

Treatment for Atony of the Uterus. Treatment for atony of the uterus includes: uterine massage, which involves your doctor placing one hand in the vagina and pushing against the uterus while their other hand compresses the uterus through the abdominal wall uterotonic drugs including oxytocin, methylergonovine Methergine , and prostaglandins, such as Hemabate blood transfusions In severe cases, the treatment includes: surgery to tie off the blood vessels uterine artery embolization, which involves injecting small particles into the uterine artery to block blood flow to the uterus hysterectomy if all other treatments fail.

Preventing Atony of the Uterus. Parenthood Pregnancy Pregnancy Complications. Cesarean Section Complications. Placenta Delivery: What to Expect. Prostaglandin E 2 may cause vasodilatation and exacerbation of hypotension, therefore Methyl prostaglandin F 2a is preferred.

Surgical intervention is undertaken for direct indications, such as uterine curettage for suspected retained placental tissue, or for hemostasis if medical therapy fails. Obstetric lacerations are repaired by placing the initial suture above the apex of the laceration to control retracted arteries.

Uterine artery ligation may be performed at laparotomy. Hypogastric artery ligation may be performed to reduce the arterial pulse pressure to pelvic organs. According to the report, hypogastric artery ligation is technically difficult and is successful in fewer than one half of patients. This intervention is increasingly being replaced by other forms of management.

The most common indications for emergency hysterectomy include uterine atony, placenta accreta, uterine rupture, extension of a low transverse uterine incision and leiomyomata. Already a member or subscriber? Log in. Interested in AAFP membership? Learn more. Algorithm reprinted with permission from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

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Want to use this article elsewhere? Get Permissions. Read the Issue. Sign Up Now. Next: Clinical Briefs. Uterine atony occurs in approximately one in every 40 births in the United States. There are several factors known to prevent the uterine muscles from contracting after labor, common factors include:.

There are several factors linked with an increased risk of uterine atony, including:. It's important to note that uterine atony can occur, even in those without any risk factors present.

The primary symptom of uterine atony is a relaxed uterus, which is one that shows no signs of tightness or tension after birth. When palpated manually felt after delivery by a healthcare provider, the uterus may feel boggy spongy or enlarged. The symptoms of postpartum hemorrhage—caused by uterine atony—include:.

Complications of uterine atony may include:. Hemorrhagic shock is hypovolemic shock from blood loss. Symptoms of hypovolemic shock and hemorrhagic shock include:. When there are signs of excessive bleeding, and the uterus feels boggy, soft, and relaxed, after a person gives birth, a diagnosis of uterine atony is often made.

Blood loss could be calculated by assessing the number of saturated sanitary pads or by weighing the pads or sponges used to absorb the blood. Other sources of bleeding such as a tear in the cervix or vagina will be ruled out. Signs and symptoms will be monitored closely to screen for complications—such as anemia or hypovolemic shock. These may include close observation of blood pressure, pulse, red blood cell count, and more.

Uterine atony can usually be managed by manual massage of the uterus, along with medications to promote uterine contractions called uterotonic drugs.

These drugs help enhance contractions of the uterus and control bleeding, they include:. For cases of uterine atony, with complications, other treatment may be necessary to replace fluids and blood loss such as:. Treatment for very severe uterine atony with complications may include:. Postpartum hemorrhage is strongly linked with uterine atony. This is because uterine contractions are instrumental in assisting with the blood clotting process and helping the uterus to stop bleeding after delivery particularly after the placenta is delivered.

Somewhat common, as uterine atony occurs in approximately one in every 40 births 2. Uterine atony is treated differently depending on the severity of the condition and any complications present.

Primarily, treatment aims to promote uterine contractions and stop bleeding. Uterine massage after delivery as well as the administering of oxytocin is a common preventive practice today.