Final answer:
Uterine atony is a condition where the uterus fails to contract after childbirth, leading to postpartum hemorrhage. Risk factors include multiple pregnancies, previous PPH, high birth weight, extremes of labor duration, induction or augmentation of labor, anesthesia or analgesics use, overdistension of the uterus, and chorioamnionitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Uterine atony refers to the failure of the uterus to contract effectively after childbirth, which is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Several risk factors have been associated with uterine atony, including:
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
- A history of previous PPH or uterine atony
- High birth weight of the baby
- Prolonged labor or rapid labor
- Induction or augmentation of labor with medications like oxytocin
- Use of anesthesia or analgesics during labor
- Overdistension of the uterus, which can occur with polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid) or macrosomia (large-for-gestational-age baby)
- Chorioamnionitis (infection of the fetal membranes)
Identifying these risk factors and being prepared can help healthcare providers reduce the risk of PPH due to uterine atony.