Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Uterine atony—also called atony of the uterus—is a complication of pregnancy that occurs after the delivery stage of labor. It is a failure of the uterus to contract following delivery.
It can lead to a very serious—even life-threatening—condition known aspostpartum hemorrhage(bleeding) if not treated promptly. Uterine atony is considered the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
This article discusses the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of uterine atony.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
How Common Is Uterine Atony?Uterine atony occurs in approximately one in every 40 births in the United States. The condition is linked with at least 80% of postpartum hemorrhage cases.
How Common Is Uterine Atony?
Uterine atony occurs in approximately one in every 40 births in the United States. The condition is linked with at least 80% of postpartum hemorrhage cases.
There are several factors known to prevent the uterine muscles from contracting after labor, common factors include:
There are several factors linked with an increased risk of uterine atony, including:
It’s important to note that uterine atony can occur, even in those without any risk factors present.
Complications (Hemorrhage)
Complications of uterine atony may include:
Hemorrhagic shock is hypovolemic shock from blood loss. Symptoms of hypovolemic shock and hemorrhagic shock include:
When there are signs of excessive bleeding, and the uterus feels boggy, soft, and relaxed, after a person gives birth, a diagnosis of uterine atony is often made.
Other sources of bleeding(such as a tear in the cervix or vagina) will be ruled out.
Signs and symptoms will be monitored closely to screen for complications—such asanemiaorhypovolemic shock. These may include close observation of blood pressure, pulse, red blood cell count, and more.
These drugs help enhance contractions of the uterus and control bleeding, they include:
For cases of uterine atony, with complications, other treatment may be necessary to replace fluids and blood loss such as:
Treatment for very severe uterine atony with complications may include:
How does uterine atony cause postpartum hemorrhage?
Postpartum hemorrhageis strongly linked with uterine atony. This is because uterine contractions are instrumental in assisting with the blood clotting process and helping the uterus to stop bleeding after delivery (particularly after theplacentais delivered).
How common is uterine atony?
Somewhat common, as uterine atony occurs in approximately one in every 40 births (2.5%) in the United States. However, the condition is very serious because it’s responsible for at least 80% of postpartum hemorrhage cases.
How is uterine atony treated?
Uterine atony is treated differently depending on the severity of the condition and any complications present. Primarily, treatment aims to promote uterine contractions and stop bleeding.
Uterine massage after delivery as well as the administering of oxytocin is a common preventive practice today.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Evanson, A., Anderson, J., Fontaine, P.Postpartum hemorrhage prevention and treatment.Am Fam Physician. 2017 Apr 1;95(7):442-449.Driessen M, Bouvier-Colle M-H, Dupont C, Khoshnood B, Rudigoz R-C, Deneux-Tharaux C.Postpartum hemorrhage resulting from uterine atony after vaginal delivery: factors associated with severity.Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2011;117(1):21-31. doi:10.1097/AOG.0b013e318202c845Wetta LA, Szychowski JM, Seals S, Mancuso MS, Biggio JR, Tita ATN.Risk factors for uterine atony/postpartum hemorrhage requiring treatment after vaginal delivery.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2013;209(1):51.e1-51.e6. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2013.03.011
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Evanson, A., Anderson, J., Fontaine, P.Postpartum hemorrhage prevention and treatment.Am Fam Physician. 2017 Apr 1;95(7):442-449.Driessen M, Bouvier-Colle M-H, Dupont C, Khoshnood B, Rudigoz R-C, Deneux-Tharaux C.Postpartum hemorrhage resulting from uterine atony after vaginal delivery: factors associated with severity.Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2011;117(1):21-31. doi:10.1097/AOG.0b013e318202c845Wetta LA, Szychowski JM, Seals S, Mancuso MS, Biggio JR, Tita ATN.Risk factors for uterine atony/postpartum hemorrhage requiring treatment after vaginal delivery.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2013;209(1):51.e1-51.e6. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2013.03.011
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Evanson, A., Anderson, J., Fontaine, P.Postpartum hemorrhage prevention and treatment.Am Fam Physician. 2017 Apr 1;95(7):442-449.Driessen M, Bouvier-Colle M-H, Dupont C, Khoshnood B, Rudigoz R-C, Deneux-Tharaux C.Postpartum hemorrhage resulting from uterine atony after vaginal delivery: factors associated with severity.Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2011;117(1):21-31. doi:10.1097/AOG.0b013e318202c845Wetta LA, Szychowski JM, Seals S, Mancuso MS, Biggio JR, Tita ATN.Risk factors for uterine atony/postpartum hemorrhage requiring treatment after vaginal delivery.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2013;209(1):51.e1-51.e6. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2013.03.011
Evanson, A., Anderson, J., Fontaine, P.Postpartum hemorrhage prevention and treatment.Am Fam Physician. 2017 Apr 1;95(7):442-449.
Driessen M, Bouvier-Colle M-H, Dupont C, Khoshnood B, Rudigoz R-C, Deneux-Tharaux C.Postpartum hemorrhage resulting from uterine atony after vaginal delivery: factors associated with severity.Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2011;117(1):21-31. doi:10.1097/AOG.0b013e318202c845
Wetta LA, Szychowski JM, Seals S, Mancuso MS, Biggio JR, Tita ATN.Risk factors for uterine atony/postpartum hemorrhage requiring treatment after vaginal delivery.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2013;209(1):51.e1-51.e6. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2013.03.011
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