Sorting Out the Effects of Obesity on Risk for Postpartum Hemorrhage

Risk for atonic uterine hemorrhage (but not for hemorrhage secondary to retained placenta) rose with maternal body-mass index.

To determine whether specific mechanisms underlying postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) can deepen our understanding of the well-known link between maternal obesity and risk for this dire condition, an investigator conducted a population-based cohort study of more than 1 million singleton pregnancies in Sweden. Women were stratified into six WHO-defined categories based on body-mass index (BMI); risk for PPH was evaluated by BMI category. Outcomes included hemorrhage of >1000 mL associated with retained placenta, atonic uterus, or obstetric lacerations.

Overall prevalence of PPH was 4.5%; rates among obese women ranged from 8.0% to 13.0% depending on obesity class. Risk for PPH arising from uterine atony rose rapidly with BMI (odds ratios, 1.14 for …

Reviewing Author

Diane J. Angelini, EdD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, NEA-BC

Disclosures

RoyaltiesOB Triage: Emergency Care Protocols (Springer Publications)

Editorial boardsJournal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing

Diane J. Angelini, EdD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, NEA-BC

Disclosures

RoyaltiesOB Triage: Emergency Care Protocols (Springer Publications)

Editorial boardsJournal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing

Sorting Out the Effects of Obesity on Risk for Postpartum Hemorrhage

Topics

Reviewing Author