What does the mnemonic "Tone, Tear, Tissue" refer to?

The mnemonic "Tone, Tear, Tissue" is specifically used to identify the causes of early postpartum hemorrhage. It highlights the three predominant factors that can lead to significant blood loss following delivery:

• Tone refers to uterine atony, which is the failure of the uterus to contract effectively after childbirth. This is the most common cause of early postpartum hemorrhage.

• Tear indicates any lacerations that may occur during delivery, whether vaginal, cervical, or perineal, which can result in bleeding.

• Tissue pertains to retained placental tissue, where fragments of the placenta are left within the uterus after delivery, preventing proper uterine contraction and leading to hemorrhage.

Understanding this mnemonic is essential in clinical settings as it allows healthcare providers to quickly remember and assess the primary causes of early postpartum hemorrhage, facilitating prompt identification and treatment in order to prevent severe complications.