What indicates that methylergonovine maleate is effective post-delivery?

Methylergonovine maleate is often administered to manage postpartum hemorrhage by stimulating uterine contractions. An effective response to this medication is indicated by the presence of strong afterpains, as these are a sign that the uterus is contracting and firming up, which helps reduce the risk of excessive bleeding. Strong afterpains suggest that the medication is working to promote uterine involution.

In contrast, a claim about bleeding stopped completely could be misleading, as some blood loss can still occur in the hours following delivery even with effective treatment. Feeling lightheaded is typically a sign of potential complications such as hypotension or blood loss, which would indicate the medication is not working as planned. Having little to no pain may not necessarily reflect the efficacy of methylergonovine, as pain levels can vary widely and do not directly correlate with uterine contraction effectiveness. Thus, the most accurate indicator of the medication's effectiveness is the presence of strong afterpains.