True/False MCQ · Physiology and Management of the Third Stage
Regarding acute uterine inversion in the third stage, which of the following statements are TRUE?
- AIt only occurs after caesarean section
- BIt is best prevented by pulling the cord hard immediately after birth
- CIt can be caused by cord traction before placental separation on a relaxed uterus
- DIt never causes shock
- EIt is a complication of the first stage of labour
Show answers and explanation
- A. False: It occurs after vaginal birth, not only after caesarean.
- B. False: Pulling the cord before separation causes inversion; it does not prevent it.
- C. True
- D. False: It characteristically causes profound shock.
- E. False: It is a third-stage complication, not a first-stage one.
Acute uterine inversion
- Caused by cord traction before separation while the uterus is relaxed.
- Produces profound shock (partly neurogenic) and haemorrhage.
- Managed by prompt replacement of the uterus and resuscitation.
Why A is false
It occurs after vaginal birth, not only after caesarean.
Why B is false
Pulling hard before separation causes, rather than prevents, inversion.
Why C is true
Premature traction on a relaxed uterus causes inversion.
Why D is false
It characteristically causes shock.
Why E is false
It is a third-stage, not first-stage, complication.
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