You will learn the definition of excessive bleeding and the actions to take if the woman has postpartum haemorrhage (PPH); it also describes the interventions you can take during and after the third stage of labour to reduce the risk of PPH.The main points are summarised briefly here:
Remember not to exceed 1,000 µg of misoprostol (5 tablets). If the woman has already taken 600 µg (3 tablets) after the birth of the baby, and she needs a second dose because of excessive bleeding, it should be no more than 400 µg (2 tablets) via the rectum. This way, the woman will have fewer side-effects. If she did not take 600 µg of oral misoprostol after the birth of the baby and has signs of excessive bleeding, give her 1,000 µg of misoprostol via the rectum in one dose.
Do not give additional misoprostol if oxytocin was the drug used originally.
If excessive bleeding occurs, the mother should be taken to the health facility immediately.
If the bleeding does not stop quickly after the second dose of misoprostol, then refer the woman to the nearest health facility urgently. Sometimes, bleeding comes from a torn vagina, a torn cervix, or a torn uterus. Usually this bleeding comes in a constant, slow trickle. The blood is usually bright red and thin. Actions to take while waiting for transport: