Notes · Obstetrics · 9 min read
Obstetric emergencies: first actions
Postpartum haemorrhage, eclampsia, shoulder dystocia and cord prolapse.
Key points
- Postpartum haemorrhage: think tone, trauma, tissue and thrombin; uterine atony is the commonest cause.
- Give tranexamic acid 1 g IV within 3 hours of birth in postpartum haemorrhage.
- Eclampsia: magnesium sulfate loading dose then infusion; control severe hypertension.
- Shoulder dystocia: call for help, McRoberts position and suprapubic pressure first.
- Cord prolapse: relieve pressure on the cord and arrange urgent delivery.
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