Word parts
What it means
After the placenta comes out, the uterus normally clamps down to squeeze shut the blood vessels where the placenta was attached. When it stays soft, those vessels keep bleeding. It is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage. A very large uterus (twins, a big baby), long labor, a full bladder and some drugs raise the risk.
For the nurse
Check the fundusFUN-dusThe rounded top or base of a hollow organ, most often the top of the uterus.Full entry often after birth. If it is soft, massage it until firm, help the client empty the bladder, and report it; give uterine-contracting drugs such as oxytocin as ordered.
At a glance
| Spanish | atonía uterina |
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Related terms
hemorrhage
A large loss of blood from a blood vessel, inside the body or out of it.
postpartum
The time after giving birth, usually the first six weeks, while the body returns to its non-pregnant state.
massage
Rubbing, pressing or kneading the body's soft tissues to relax muscles, ease pain or improve blood flow.
fundus
The rounded top or base of a hollow organ, most often the top of the uterus.