Which action helps quantify maternal blood loss during evaluation?

Which action helps quantify maternal blood loss during evaluation?

• A. Continuous EFM
• B. Weigh perineal pads
• C. Transabdominal ultrasound
• D. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Answer: (B)

Quantifying maternal blood loss relies on turning a visual assessment into a numeric measure. Weighing perineal pads provides a direct, practical way to measure how much blood is lost: weigh the pads dry first, then weigh them after use and subtract to find the amount of blood absorbed. Since about 1 gram of blood equals 1 milliliter, the difference gives an estimate in milliliters, which helps identify how rapidly bleeding is occurring and guide management. This method is more objective than estimating by sight and is useful in real time during evaluation. Continuous fetal monitoring tracks the fetal heart, not maternal blood loss. Transabdominal ultrasound can detect bleeding in certain contexts but doesn’t quantify the exact amount being lost vaginally. A complete blood count shows current blood components and anemia status but doesn’t provide the immediate quantity of blood lost.

Quantifying maternal blood loss relies on turning a visual assessment into a numeric measure. Weighing perineal pads provides a direct, practical way to measure how much blood is lost: weigh the pads dry first, then weigh them after use and subtract to find the amount of blood absorbed. Since about 1 gram of blood equals 1 milliliter, the difference gives an estimate in milliliters, which helps identify how rapidly bleeding is occurring and guide management. This method is more objective than estimating by sight and is useful in real time during evaluation. Continuous fetal monitoring tracks the fetal heart, not maternal blood loss. Transabdominal ultrasound can detect bleeding in certain contexts but doesn’t quantify the exact amount being lost vaginally. A complete blood count shows current blood components and anemia status but doesn’t provide the immediate quantity of blood lost.