Advanced Obstetrics for Paramedics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Advanced Obstetrics for Paramedics - Assignment Example lead to acute anemia, delay or even failure of breastfeeding, hemorrhagic shock, pituitary infarction, coagulopathy, renal failure/acute tubular necrosis, coma, prolonged hospital stay, emergency surgery or angiographic intervention, need for hysterectomy etc. In a population-based research, it has been seen that risk of PPH is 5.8% in first pregnancy whether 4-5% in a second or third time pregnancy. However, risk is more than 15% in the subsequent pregnancy. Risk of PPH and average blood loss both are greater in caesarean section operations. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) can be defined as blood loss of 500mL or even more during and at the time of childbirth. In most severe case, blood loss of 1000mL or more amount of blood loss, which can cause hemodynamic compromise. PPH can be divided in to two categories that are primary PPH and secondary PPH. Primary PPH can occur within the first 24 hours after birth where as secondary PPH can occur in between 24 hours to 6 weeks of postpartum. However, in most of the cases PPH fall under the primary PPH category  (Kapungu, Koch, Miller & Geller, n.d.). Approximately 75% of the primary PPH cases are due to ‘Uterine Atony’. Secondary PPH is due to infection or retained products of conception. In developed countries, it becomes easy to manage in hospitals but in underdeveloped and developing country urgent PPH management is necessary. Risk of PPH can be reduced by almost 50% with administering oxytocic drugs. It has been seen that routine prophylaxis can help to reduce 70% of the need of oxytocics drug to heal excessive postpartum bleeding. Oxytocin is the most preferred uterotonic among the medical practitioners. It stimulates smooth muscle tissue of the upper part of the uterus (Lalonde & others, 2013). Oxytocin helps it to contract rhythmically. It facilitates constricting blood vessels and helps in decreasing blood flow in the uterus. It is an effective and safe choice for PPH treatment. Intravenous mode of infusion is