postpartum hemorrhage
Postpartum hemorrhage occurs when bleeding is heavier than usual after childbirth. It can be very serious, and if you experience heavy bleeding after childbirth, it's important to seek medical attention immediately.
What is postpartum hemorrhage?
Postpartum hemorrhage occurs when more than half a liter of blood is lost in the first 24 hours after delivery. Bleeding can also occur during the first six weeks.
While bleeding after childbirth is normal, it may be postpartum hemorrhage if:
- You were soaking in more than one pillow every hour.
- You pass blood clots the size of an egg or larger.
Bleeding after childbirth is very serious and can be life-threatening. Quick medical attention is needed to stop the bleeding.
What causes postpartum hemorrhage?
Postpartum hemorrhage is often caused by the uterus not contracting properly after delivery, which causes bleeding from the large blood vessels that supply the placenta.
It can also be caused by an injury to the uterus, cervix, vagina, or perineum, or by a problem with the placenta such as placenta previa, placental abruption, placenta accreta, or retained placenta.
For most women, there are no known risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage. It can happen to anyone and is unpredictable. However, you are more likely to experience:
- Weak uterine muscles (for example, if you have had many children before).
- long work
- big child
- A uterus that is too tight (for example, if you are carrying multiple babies or have too much amniotic fluid)
- bleeding disorder
- He had postpartum hemorrhage before.
- Caesarean section
Postpartum hemorrhage occurs after approximately 1 in 25 births.
Can postpartum bleeding be prevented?
Because postpartum hemorrhage is unpredictable, it's important for all women to receive emergency medical care after giving birth. Most women will receive a dose of medication to help the uterus contract and expel the placenta.
If your doctor or midwife believes you are at increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage, you will be advised to give birth in a large hospital with blood products ready in case you need a blood transfusion. You will also be given additional medications to help your uterus contract.
How is postpartum hemorrhage treated?
Postpartum hemorrhage is a medical emergency. To treat it, your medical team will insert an intravenous needle into your vein and possibly a catheter into your bladder. They will examine you to determine the cause of the bleeding and closely monitor your blood pressure and pulse to check for signs of shock.
Treatments for postpartum hemorrhage include massaging the uterus to help deliver the placenta, giving you medication, or giving you a blood transfusion.
If the bleeding still cannot be controlled, you may need surgery to remove the placenta or any remaining tissue; to repair the injury causing the bleeding; or to undergo another procedure to stop the bleeding. Sometimes, the only way to stop the bleeding and save your life is a hysterectomy.
After that, you will need close monitoring in the hospital, sometimes in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Will postpartum bleeding affect future pregnancies?
You are at increased risk of experiencing another postpartum hemorrhage the next time you give birth. It's very important to inform your medical team during your next pregnancy so they can try to prevent it from happening again.
If you are worried about future pregnancies, it may help to talk to your doctor or midwife so they can explain what happened.
Women whose labor was unplanned often feel negatively about their birth experience. If you feel sad, disappointed, or shocked about what happened, it's important to talk to someone. Options for who you can call or talk to include: