Which of the following is the most common underlying cause of early postpartum hemorrhage?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the most common underlying cause of early postpartum hemorrhage?

Explanation:
After delivery, the uterus must contract firmly to squeeze off the blood vessels at the placental bed. When it fails to contract effectively, bleeding from those vessels continues unchecked, producing early postpartum hemorrhage. This failure of tone is by far the most common cause in the first 24 hours after birth. Other causes—trauma to the genital tract, retained placental tissue, or a coagulation disorder—can cause heavy bleeding as well, but they are less likely to be the sole reason for early hemorrhage. Recognizing a boggy, poorly contracting uterus guides you to start uterotonic agents and uterine massage to restore contraction and control the bleeding.

After delivery, the uterus must contract firmly to squeeze off the blood vessels at the placental bed. When it fails to contract effectively, bleeding from those vessels continues unchecked, producing early postpartum hemorrhage. This failure of tone is by far the most common cause in the first 24 hours after birth. Other causes—trauma to the genital tract, retained placental tissue, or a coagulation disorder—can cause heavy bleeding as well, but they are less likely to be the sole reason for early hemorrhage. Recognizing a boggy, poorly contracting uterus guides you to start uterotonic agents and uterine massage to restore contraction and control the bleeding.

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