atonic uterus
Last reviewed 01/2018
An atonic uterus is literally a uterus without tone. It is an important cause of postpartum haemorrhage and may be due to:
- overdistension
- multiple pregnancy
- polyhydramnios
- grand multiparity - mothers with more than 4 children are given prophylactic ergometrine
- antepartum haemorrhage
- previous postpartum haemorrhage
- prolonged labour
- full bladder
- difficult instrumental delivery - e.g. forceps
- drugs:
- halogens
- salbutamol