Curriculum of Obstetrics
TOPIC 40
POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE
RATIONALE
Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in Egypt (34 percent of all cases of maternal deaths). Proper obstetric management can prevent most cases of postpartum hemorrhage. Physicians attend about 30 percent of deliveries in Egypt. Appropriate management of third stage of labor can achieve a measurable reduction in maternal mortality and morbidity.
GOALS
l Reduce maternal mortality and morbidity from postpartum hemorrhage
l Ensure that graduates can competently manage the third stage of labor
l Diagnose the cause(s) of postpartum hemorrhage and institute prompt treatment
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, the student will be able to:
l List and differentiate between types of postpartum hemorrhage
l Define causes and risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage
l Recognize and apply measures for prophylaxis of postpartum hemorrhage
l Describe first aid management and outline treatment modalities for each type of postpartum hemorrhage
l Recognize the importance of the fourth stage of labor (the first hour after delivery) in postpartum hemorrhage prevention
l Utilize examination and diagnostic methods correctly to diagnose the types of postpartum hemorrhage
l Use emergency treatment in correct sequence
l Treat/stabilize a bleeding patient before referring
CONTENT
l Definition of postpartum hemorrhage and reference of blood loss during normal deliveries
l Etiologies of postpartum hemorrhage
l Definition of risk factors and preventive measures (active management of third stage)
l Types of post-partum hemorrhage: primary (atonic, traumatic, and coagulopathies) and secondary
