A postpartum hemorrhage, also known as PPH, is a serious but rare condition that causes women to bleed uncontrollably after giving birth. This typically happens within 1 day of giving birth but can occur up to 12 weeks after having a baby. Although it's normal to lose blood during childbirth, a postpartum hemorrhage is much more serious. Due to significant blood loss, postpartum hemorrhage can cause a drop in your blood pressure. Your organs may
not get enough blood flow which can cause you to go into shock and possibly die. When you’re pregnant, your body develops a placenta — an organ that develops inside your uterus. It is a structure for your baby that provides them with the oxygen and nutrients they need to grow. It also removes waste products from your baby’s food. The placenta attaches to the wall of your uterus, and your baby's
umbilical cord comes out from it. After childbirth, the uterus typically contracts to push out the placenta. These contractions can help put pressure on the bleeding vessels near where the placenta is typically attached inside your uterus. If the contractions during childbirth aren’t strong enough, the vessels bleed more. Bleeding can also happen if small pieces of the placenta don’t leave the body and stay attached. If the placenta isn’t delivered within 30
minutes after childbirth, it’s known as a retained placenta. If it or parts of it are still attached to the uterine wall, it can cause severe infection or life-threatening blood loss. Signs of placental problems include: If you have questions about the placenta or placental problems during pregnancy, talk to your health care provider. They can help you better understand the placenta's
role during your pregnancy. Symptoms of Postpartum HemorrhageEach woman is unique and may experience postpartum hemorrhage differently. These are the most common symptoms:
Some women are more at risk for postpartum hemorrhage than others. Some conditions that increase your risk include:
Postpartum hemorrhage may also be caused by:
How is Postpartum Hemorrhage Diagnosed?Your doctor can help diagnose postpartum hemorrhages. After reviewing your health history, they will do a variety of tests including:
How is Postpartum Hemorrhage Treated?Your doctor can help determine which treatment options will work best for you. They’ll evaluate:
The goal of treatment is to stop you from bleeding as quickly as possible. Treatment for PPH may include:
Replacing lost fluids and blood is important in treating postpartum hemorrhage. Intravenous (IV) fluids, as well as blood and blood products, can be given rapidly to prevent shock. The mother may also receive oxygen by mask. Postpartum hemorrhage can be quite serious. However, quickly detecting and treating the cause of bleeding can often lead to a full recovery. What are the 4 most common causes of postpartum hemorrhage?What causes postpartum hemorrhage?. Placental abruption. The early detachment of the placenta from the uterus.. Placenta previa. The placenta covers or is near the cervical opening.. Overdistended uterus. ... . Multiple pregnancy. ... . Gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. ... . Having many previous births.. Prolonged labor.. Infection.. What is the leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage?TONE (UTERINE ATONY)
Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
What are the 5 most common causes of PPH?In many International and local studies it was revealed that the main cause of PPH is uterine atony followed by vaginal hematoma, cervical or vaginal tear, adherent placenta, uterine angle extension and retained placenta [3,5].
Who is most at risk for postpartum hemorrhage?Who is at risk for postpartum hemorrhage?. Placental abruption. This is the early detachment of the placenta from the uterus.. Placenta previa. ... . Overdistended uterus. ... . Multiple-baby pregnancy.. High blood pressure disorders of pregnancy.. Having many previous births.. Prolonged labor.. Infection.. |