MCQ Obstetrics Answer 9

The correct Answer is C

PPH is genital tract bleeding in excess of 500 ml. from the delivery of the baby until six weeks later.

Primary is within the first twenty four hours. It is usually due to uterine atony. The uterine wall is a lattice of muscle fibres arranged in different directions. The spiral arteries running to the placental site traverse the interstices of the lattice. If the uterus retracts well after delivery, i.e. the muscle fibres shorten and stay shortened, the interstices shrink and the muscle fibres act as a "living ligature" to effect haemostasis.

Next on the list are retained products and local trauma. Coagulation defects are well down the list.

It does tend to recur and a previous third stage problem would be grounds for advising delivery in a consultant unit.

The condition may not be revealed, as in broad ligament or para-vaginal haematoma.

Category: Obstetrics MCQs