About 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.