Uterineatonyalso called atony of the uterusoccurs when the uterine muscles don’t tighten after delivering a baby.
If the muscles don’t contract, the bleeding doesn’t stop, causingpostpartum hemorrhage.
During postpartum hemorrhage, women rapidly lose a significant amount of blood.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Causes
Uterine atony causes excessive bleeding after delivery (postpartum hemorrhage).
The dangerous bleeding occurs because the uterine muscles don’t contract.
After delivering a baby, the uterine muscles tighten to push out theplacenta.
Compressing the vessels prevents excessive bleeding.
Postpartum hemorrhage, whether due to uterine atony or another cause, usually occurs within 24 hours after delivery.
However, it can happen within the first 12 weeks.
Common risk factors include:
Women can also have uterine atony without any risk factors.
Symptoms
There are two symptoms of uterine atony: a relaxed uterus and bleeding.
you could’t feel a relaxed uterus.
Women may develop:
However, two of the most common complications arehypovolemic shockandanemia.
If you’re at home when a hemorrhage begins, call 911 for immediate emergency care.
Anemia
After postpartum hemorrhage, you have a high risk of developing anemia.
They may also examine yourcervixandvaginato be sure the bleeding isn’t brought on by a tear.
Treatment
Uterine atony treatment has one primary goal: stopping the bleeding.
You may also need an intravenous transfusion to restore blood volume (depending on the amount lost).
Bleeding sparked by uterine atony often stops when healthcare providers manually massage the uterus and give you intravenous oxytocin.
Both stimulate uterine muscle contractions.
There are other medications to boost uterine contractions, including carboprost, methylergonovine, and misoprostol.
Though rare, you may need surgery if the medication doesnt work.
The excessive bleeding requires immediate medical attention to avoid complications and prevent life-threatening blood loss.
you might develop uterine atony for many reasons.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.ACOG expands recommendations to treat postpartum hemorrhage.
CDC: NationalCenter for Health Statistics.How NCHS measures maternal death.
Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.Postpartum hemorrhage.
American Pregnancy Association.Rapid Labor.
Brigham and Womens Hospital.Postpartum hemorrhage.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Postpartum hemorrhage: Prevention and treatment.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Advanced maternal age.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Hypovolemic shock.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Anemia symptoms.
