Baafuor K. Opoku

ABSTRACT

bout 60% of maternal deaths occur after delivery of which the major cause is haemorrhage. Postpartum haemorrhage is a serious condition because of the rapidity of progression. It is the leading cause of maternal deaths in Ghana in spite of efforts by governments to address the issue. A review of management practices of PPH was undertaken in the country between January and August 2014 that looked at current PPH prevention and treatment practices as pertain in the community through the teaching hospitals. PPH constitutes 24% of maternal deaths in the country. About 30% of deliveries occur outside health facilities, attended to by TBAs and relatives. Traditional crude methods are still practiced by TBAs in managing PPH. Oxytocin is the uterotonic of choice in health facilities, though in several instances generic oxytocin is not efficacious. Misoprostol is used as added uterotonic and in instances where oxytocin is not available. AMTSL practices are not correctly adhered to as most midwives wait for signs of placental separation before conducting controlled cord traction. More training in correct AMTSL practices needs to be done for birth attendants. The availability of temperature-stable oxytocin and provision of misoprostol for use in home deliveries will help reduce incidence of primary PPH in the country. Keywords: PPH, management, prevention practices, Ghana