Open AccessProphylactic uterotonics in the prevention of primary postpartum haemorrhage for unplanned out-of-hospital births: a literature review
Author(s) -
Molly Greenaway
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
british paramedic journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1478-4726
DOI - 10.29045/14784726.2019.03.3.4.15
Subject(s) - uterotonic , medicine , postpartum haemorrhage , critical appraisal , context (archaeology) , misoprostol , childbirth , obstetrics , pregnancy , alternative medicine , oxytocin , paleontology , pathology , abortion , biology , genetics
Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Protocols for the use of prophylactic uterotonics in strategy to prevent PPH have been implemented for in-hospital births following recommendation from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). There are currently no guidelines for prophylactic uterotonic use in out-of-hospital (OOH) births by ambulance crews despite inappropriate birthing conditions and difficulties in obtaining a timely response from community midwives. The aim of this article is to review the use of uterotonic drugs used for the prevention of PPH which could be administered in OOH births.