MCQ Obstetrics Answer 16

The Correct Answer is C


Ninety percent of early and immediate postpartum hemorrhage is due to failure of the uterus to contract satisfactorily (uterine atony). Other less frequent causes are lacerations of the cervix, vagina, or perineum; hematomas, usually located near lacerations or episiotomy repairs; and uterine rupture, either spontaneous or iatrogrenic. All of these occur in the immediate postpartum period. Delayed hemorrhage, occurring beyond the first 24 hours after delivery, is usually caused by retained placental fragments. Interestingly, placenta accrete is among the most common causes of postpartum hemorrhage necessitating hysterectomy.


Ref: 1) Ripley DL: Uterine emergencies: Atony, inversion, and rupture. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 1999;26(3):419-434. 2) Cunningham FG, Gant NF, Leveno KG, et al: Williams Obstetrics, ed 21. McGraw-Hill, 2001, p 635. (ABFM 2002)

Category: Obstetrics MCQs