External abdominal aortic compression: a study of a resuscitation manoeuvre for postpartum haemorrhage

External aortic compression is an emergency manoeuvre proposed to reduce postpartum haemorrhage and permit time for resuscitation and control of bleeding. To assess this technique, a prospective study was performed on twenty normal non-bleeding parturients. The abdominal aorta was compressed by firm pressure with a closed fist just above the umbilicus. Leg and arm arterial blood pressures were measured and femoral artery pulsation felt before, during and after compression. Leg blood pressure was completely obliterated in 55% and significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in a further 10% of subjects. All of these subjects with reduced or absent leg blood pressure also had obliteration of the femoral pulse with compression. Systemic arterial blood pressure was not significantly elevated by successful aortic occlusion. Discomfort with the manoeuvre was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the group of subjects that had successful aortic occlusion. It is recommended that external aortic compression be considered in severe life-threatening postpartum haemorrhage, particularly during stabilisation or transport of the patient. This simple manoeuvre may be used as an adjunct to other measures and could prove of benefit, especially in locations or situations where advanced medical assistance is geographically or temporally removed.