Fourth stage of labor

Fourth stage of labor

Fourth stage of labor

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Fourth Stage of Labor - The Recovery Kickstart

  • Timing: First 1-4 hours immediately following placental delivery.
  • Physiology: Uterine involution begins; myometrial contractions compress vessels to achieve hemostasis.
  • Maternal Monitoring (q15min for 1st hr):
    • Uterus: Palpate fundus for tone (firm, midline) & location (at/below umbilicus).
    • Lochia: Assess flow (rubra); saturation of >1 pad/hour suggests PPH.
    • Vitals: BP & pulse checks for signs of hypovolemia.
    • Perineum: Inspect for hematoma formation or suture dehiscence.

⭐ Uterine atony is the leading cause of early postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Prophylactic oxytocin and fundal massage are key preventive measures.

Postpartum Fundal Assessment Technique

Maternal Assessment - The Postpartum Check-In

  • Frequency: Vitals & fundal checks every 15 min for the first hour, then every 30 min for the second hour.
  • Uterine Assessment:
    • Palpate fundus for tone and location (should be firm, midline, at/below umbilicus).
    • A boggy (soft) uterus signifies atony. First action: Fundal massage.
  • Lochia Assessment:
    • Check color (rubra), amount, and clots.
    • Saturation of a perineal pad in <1 hour suggests excessive bleeding.
  • Perineal Assessment:
    • Inspect for hematomas, swelling, or signs of infection at laceration/episiotomy sites.
  • Bladder: Encourage voiding; a full bladder can displace the uterus and cause atony.

High-Yield: Uterine atony is the #1 cause of early postpartum hemorrhage. Always perform fundal massage as the initial management step for a boggy uterus.

Postpartum Hemorrhage - The Red Alert

  • Definition: Estimated Blood Loss (EBL) >1000 mL or blood loss with signs/symptoms of hypovolemia within 24 hours of birth.
  • Etiology (The 4 T's) 📌
    • Tone: Uterine atony (>70% of cases). Boggy, enlarged uterus.
    • Trauma: Lacerations, uterine rupture.
    • Tissue: Retained placenta or clots.
    • Thrombin: Coagulopathy (pre-existing or acquired).
  • Management
    • First-line: Bimanual uterine massage & IV oxytocin.
    • Second-line Uterotonics: Methylergonovine, Carboprost, Misoprostol.

Exam Favorite: Avoid Methylergonovine (Methergine) in patients with hypertension or preeclampsia due to its vasoconstrictive effects.

Postpartum Interventions - The Action Plan

  • Uterine Assessment & Massage: Immediately palpate fundus; perform firm massage to maintain tone and express clots.
  • Uterotonics: Administer Oxytocin (IV/IM) prophylactically to prevent postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).
  • Perineal Care & Repair: Inspect for and repair any lacerations or episiotomies.
  • Hemodynamic Monitoring: Closely monitor vital signs, uterine tone, and lochia amount for at least 1-2 hours. Check every 15 minutes.

⭐ Uterine atony is the most common cause of early postpartum hemorrhage, responsible for over 70% of cases.

Bimanual uterine compression for uterine atony

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • The fourth stage spans the first 1-4 hours postpartum, a critical period for physiologic stabilization.
  • The most significant risk is postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), most commonly from uterine atony.
  • Management involves frequent assessment of uterine tone (fundal massage), vital signs, and lochia.
  • Oxytocin is continued to maintain firm uterine contraction and ensure hemostasis.
  • This period is crucial for initiating maternal-infant bonding (e.g., skin-to-skin contact).
  • Persistent bleeding with a firm uterus suggests genital tract lacerations.

Practice Questions: Fourth stage of labor

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 29-year-old G2P2 female gives birth to a healthy baby boy at 39 weeks of gestation via vaginal delivery. Immediately after the delivery of the placenta, she experiences profuse vaginal hemorrhage. Her prior birthing history is notable for an emergency cesarean section during her first pregnancy. She did not receive any prenatal care during either pregnancy. Her past medical history is notable for obesity and diabetes mellitus, which is well controlled on metformin. Her temperature is 99.0°F (37.2°C), blood pressure is 95/50 mmHg, pulse is 125/min, and respirations are 22/min. On physical examination, the patient is in moderate distress. Her extremities are pale, cool, and clammy. Capillary refill is delayed. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient’s bleeding?

1 of 5

Flashcards: Fourth stage of labor

1/9

The components of the bishop score include: _____

Hint: 5

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

The components of the bishop score include: _____

1. Fetal station 2. Cervical dilation 3. Cervical effacement 4. Cervical position 5. Cervical consistency

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