Abstract
Baclground
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is an obstetric emergency caused by excessive blood loss that occurs most commonly after the placenta is delivered. PPH can lead to volume depletion, hypovolemic shock, anemia, which is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Maternal mortality rate in Ethiopia is among the highest in the world with 470 deaths per 100,000 live births. 94% of births in Ethiopia are estimated to occur at home and ten percent of maternal deaths are attributed to PPH. Now a days, physicians use visual estimation to calculate blood loss and provide fluid during delivery. This traditional method is subjective and generally inaccurate.Method
In this project, after delivery blood loss measurement system integrated with fluid delivery and vital sign monitoring method is proposed. The collection and measurement system collects blood loss after delivery and measure the amount of blood loss. The management system continuously monitors the mother’s heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure, and integrates the measured blood loss to make decision for providing appropriate fluid and medication necessary for the mothers. The fluid provided for mothers is also controlled automatically.Results
The prototype was built and undergone through different tests and iterations. The proposed device was tested for accuracy, cost effectiveness and ease to use. 91.28% accuracy has been achieved and the prototype was built only with less than 210 USD.Conclusion
The proposed design allows physicinas, especially those in low resource setting, to estimate blood loss and delver fluid accurately. This helps to reduce maternal mortality rate that may occur due to postpartum hemorrhage.