What is the purpose of fundal massage in a gynecological emergency?

Fundal massage is a technique used primarily to stimulate uterine contraction and promote uterine tone after childbirth, which can significantly decrease vaginal bleeding. By massaging the fundus, or the top of the uterus, caregivers encourage the uterus to contract effectively. This is crucial because the uterus needs to contract to compress blood vessels that may be bleeding, thus significantly reducing the risk of hemorrhage.

In cases of gynecological emergencies where excessive bleeding occurs, fundal massage can help manage the situation by ensuring the uterus is functioning properly and preventing further blood loss. The massage aids in the body’s natural mechanics by encouraging the uterine muscles to contract and thereby facilitate hemostasis.

While other options mentioned may hold relevance in different contexts—like stimulating labor contractions or assisting in placental delivery—they do not directly address the immediate purpose of fundal massage in the context of controlling bleeding during a gynecological emergency.