Abnormalities of the third stage of labor.

Abstract

Abnormalities of the 3rd stage of labor are described. Postpartum hemorrhage is the most common cause of serious blood loss in obstetrics. Immediate causes and predisposing causes are discussed as well as the clinical picture. Diagnosis prognosis and management during the 3rd stage and after placental delivery are described. Other causes of bleeding may be from cervical laceration or retained placental fragments. The retention of the placenta during the 3rd stage is described. Management by manual removal of the placenta is considered a safe procedure. In placent accreta an abnormal adherence of the placenta to the uterine wall resulting from defective formation of a decidua with chorionic villi in direct contact with the uterine muscle attempts to separate the placenta manually are usually futile. Another abnormality of 3rd stage labor is inversion of the uterus. This is a rate occurrence. Etiology symptoms diagnosis prognosis and treatment are described.