fundal massage


Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Encyclopedia.
Related to fundal massage: Fundal height

fun·dal mas·sage

(fŭnd'ăl mă-sahzh')
In obstetrics, manipulation of the postpartum uterus through the abdominal wall to avert the risk of postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony.

fundal massage

Manual stimulation of a boggy postpartum uterus to generate effective contractions, express clots, and limit postpartum hemorrhage. To relax the patient's abdominal muscles, the birth attendant places the patient in the lithotomy position. Cupping the dominant hand around the fundus and placing the other hand just above the pubic symphysis to support the lower uterine segment, the attendant gently massages the uterine fundus. When the fundus is firm, gentle downward pressure expresses any clots that have accumulated in the uterine cavity. See: postpartum hemorrhage; uterine inversion

CAUTION!

Exerting downward pressure on an uncontracted fundus may cause uterine inversion and massive hemorrhage.
See also: massage
Mentioned in ?
References in periodicals archive ?
In 12-81% of deliveries, researchers observed providers performing cord traction without supporting the uterus; in 10-73%, providers performed fundal massage after fetal (rather than placental) delivery.
Active management of the third state of labor is rare in some developing countries
Actively manage the third stage of labor by administering oxytocin and performing fundal massage.
Planning reduces the risk of maternal death, this tool helps. Developing - and practicing - standardized clinical responses to massive obstetric hemorrhage reduce the risk of this major cause of maternal death

Medical browser ?
Full browser ?