Postpartum haemorrhage - Definition & Explanation for Mothers

Table of Contents

Definition

Postpartum haemorrhage is a severe condition defined as significant blood loss, traditionally more than 500ml after a vaginal birth or 1000ml after a cesarean section, within 24 hours post childbirth. This condition can lead to severe complications and pose a serious risk to the health of the mother. It is predominantly due to the uterus failing to contract adequately after childbirth, complications in placental expulsion, or trauma to the birth canal.

Key Takeaways

Postpartum haemorrhage is a serious condition that involves excessive bleeding occurring immediately after the delivery of a baby. This can happen within the first 24 hours (primary) or from 24 hours to 12 weeks (secondary) after delivery.
Risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage include prolonged labor, overweight, having a large baby or more than one baby, and certain medical conditions. However, it can also happen without any identifiable risk factor, being unpredictable and unpreventable in many cases.
Immediate medical intervention is critical if postpartum haemorrhage occurs as it can lead to shock, organ failure and even death in severe cases. Treatment often involves medication, surgeries or other procedures to control bleeding and replenish lost blood.

Importance

The term “Postpartum Haemorrhage” is significant in the realm of motherhood as it refers to a serious and potentially life-threatening childbirth complication.

Following delivery, it is defined as significant blood loss—typically considered to be more than 500 ml after a vaginal birth or 1000 ml after a cesarean section.

It can result in severe blood loss leading to shock, organ failure, and even death if not promptly managed.

Therefore, understanding and monitoring for signs of postpartum hemorrhage is critically important for healthcare practitioners to ensure the safety and well-being of the mother.

This information is also vital for expecting mothers to be aware of potential risks related to childbirth.

Explanation

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a term primarily used in the field of obstetrics to describe severe bleeding following childbirth. The purpose of this term is to categorize and quantify the level of blood loss after delivery in order to identify medical emergencies and administer necessary treatment promptly.

When an excessive amount of blood is lost within 24 hours after childbirth, it is recognised as PPH. The usage of the term serves as an important tool for healthcare professionals in managing maternal care after childbirth.

The recognition and prompt management of postpartum haemorrhage can significantly reduce maternal mortality and severe morbidity. The term also helps to underscore the importance of adequate maternal care during the postnatal period and the potential for acute complications even after a successfully carried pregnancy.

The use of this term brings awareness and seriousness of this potential postnatal complication to both healthcare providers and new mothers alike.

Examples of Postpartum haemorrhage

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) refers to excessive bleeding after childbirth. Its real-world impacts are significant, affecting women globally. Here are three examples:

Example 1: A 28-year-old woman in the US gives birth to her first child. Even though she has a generally uncomplicated delivery, she suddenly starts bleeding heavily within an hour of delivering her baby. The medical staff quickly identifies her condition as postpartum haemorrhage and manages to control the bleeding with uterine massage, medication and fluid resuscitation.

Example 2: In a rural area of Kenya, a 32-year-old woman gives birth at home with the help of a traditional birth attendant. After delivery, she continues to bleed heavily and her family rushes her to the nearest health center. However, the health center is not equipped to manage severe PPH, and she has to be transferred to a higher level hospital, highlighting the importance of access to adequate health facilities.

Example 3: A 26-year-old woman in India delivers her second child through a C-section. After the surgery, she starts to bleed heavily and the doctors realise that her uterus isn’t contracting as it should. The medical team immediately implements interventions to control the bleeding, including medications and blood transfusions, successfully managing to stabilize her condition and prevent further complications.

Frequently Asked Questions about Postpartum Haemorrhage

What is Postpartum Haemorrhage?

Postpartum haemorrhage is a serious condition where a woman bleeds excessively following childbirth. It’s one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide.

What are the symptoms of Postpartum Haemorrhage?

Symptoms may include uncontrolled bleeding, decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, a decrease in the red blood cell count, and a sense of tiredness, among other things.

What are the causes of Postpartum Haemorrhage?

It can be caused by a number of factors including a prolonged and difficult labor, over distention of the uterus, use of certain medications during labor, or complications with the placenta or umbilical cord.

How is Postpartum Haemorrhage treated?

Treatments can vary by the cause and severity of the bleeding but usually involve medication to help the uterus contract and possibly surgical intervention.

Can Postpartum Haemorrhage be prevented?

The condition can’t always be prevented, but proactive management of childbirth can help identify potential risks early. Regular antenatal care allows for better management of conditions that contribute to haemorrhage.