What is the appropriate management for a 33‑week‑gestation woman in active labor with type II fetal deceleration, fetal head at +2 station, severe maternal hemorrhage and hypotension?

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Emergency Cesarean Section

This patient requires immediate cesarean section due to the combination of severe hemorrhage with maternal hypotension and fetal distress (Category II deceleration) at 33 weeks gestation. 1

Rationale for Cesarean Delivery

General anesthesia with immediate cesarean section is the most appropriate choice when severe hemorrhage, maternal hypotension, and fetal compromise coexist. 1 The American Society of Anesthesiologists explicitly states that general anesthesia may be the most appropriate choice in circumstances including severe hemorrhage, and that standard resuscitative measures should be initiated for maternal instability. 1

Why Operative Vaginal Delivery is Contraindicated

  • Maternal hemodynamic instability (90/60 mmHg with severe bleeding) is an absolute contraindication to operative vaginal delivery, as the mother requires immediate stabilization and definitive hemorrhage control that can only be achieved through cesarean delivery with direct uterine access. 2

  • Severe antepartum hemorrhage at 33 weeks with hypotension suggests placental pathology (possible abruption or previa) that cannot be managed through vaginal delivery and requires immediate laparotomy for hemorrhage control. 2

  • While the fetal head is at +2 station (making forceps or ventouse technically feasible from a mechanical standpoint), the maternal condition takes priority - attempting operative vaginal delivery would delay definitive management of life-threatening maternal hemorrhage. 1, 2

Fetal Considerations

  • Category II decelerations with maternal hemorrhage and hypotension indicate uteroplacental insufficiency requiring expedited delivery, and the combination of maternal instability with fetal compromise mandates the fastest route to delivery. 1, 3

  • At 33 weeks gestation with acute fetal compromise, delivery should occur within 25 minutes to optimize neonatal neurologic outcome when sustained fetal distress is present. 4

Critical Management Steps

Immediate Resuscitation (Concurrent with Delivery Preparation)

  • Activate massive transfusion protocol immediately - transfuse packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets in 1:1:1 ratio for acute hemorrhage. 2

  • Maintain left uterine displacement to optimize maternal cardiac output and uteroplacental perfusion until delivery. 1

  • Administer oxygen at 6-10 L/min and establish large-bore IV access with fluid resuscitation. 1

  • Discontinue oxytocin if being administered and consider tocolysis if uterine hypertonus is contributing to fetal distress. 1, 3

Anesthetic Management

  • General anesthesia is indicated given severe hemorrhage, maternal hypotension, and need for immediate delivery - this provides the fastest route to delivery compared to neuraxial techniques. 1

  • Do not delay delivery to achieve a specific fluid preload volume - initiation of surgery should not be delayed for fixed fluid administration. 1

Delivery Considerations

  • The fetal head at +2 station makes impacted fetal head unlikely, but the surgical team should be prepared for potential difficulties given the preterm gestation and emergency nature. 1, 5

  • Notify neonatology immediately for attendance at delivery of a 33-week preterm infant with suspected uteroplacental insufficiency. 6

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Do not attempt operative vaginal delivery (forceps or ventouse) in the setting of severe maternal hemorrhage and hypotension - this delays definitive management and risks maternal decompensation. 1, 2

  • Do not delay for complete maternal stabilization - cesarean delivery IS the definitive treatment for the hemorrhage if placental pathology is the source. 2

  • If maternal cardiac arrest occurs, perform perimortem cesarean within 4 minutes to optimize both maternal resuscitation and neonatal survival. 1, 4

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

2
Guideline

Management of Placenta Previa

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

4
Research

[Emergency cesarean section].

Masui. The Japanese journal of anesthesiology, 2012

5
Guideline

Operative Vaginal Delivery in Fetal Distress

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2026

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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