Cervical Lacerations: A Review of Risks

Abstract

Cervical laceration (CL), although infrequent, is an often-unrecognized complication of vaginal birth and can cause significant blood loss in the immediate postpartum period. The rate of clinically significant CL ranges from 0.14% to 0.2% of births. Nulliparity, operative vaginal birth, occiput posterior position of the fetus, induction of labor, and episiotomy have been cited as possible risk factors. Much of the available literature regarding CL, however, is dated or anecdotal, and there are varying and inconsistent risk associations with its occurrence. Given this unpredictability, CL should be considered in all women with immediate postpartum hemorrhage when there is difficulty obtaining hemostasis. Although midwives receive training about CLs, the low incidence may lead to delay in diagnosis and management. This Clinical Rounds case presents a composite case of postpartum hemorrhage caused by a CL. Risk factors, diagnosis and midwifery management are discussed.

Keywords: intrapartum care; medical education; postpartum care; pregnancy complications.