What is postpartum hemorrhage?Postpartum hemorrhage is more bleeding than normal after the birth of a baby. About 1 in 100 to 5 in 100 women have postpartum hemorrhage. It's more likely with a cesarean birth. It most often happens after the placenta is delivered, but it can also happen later. Show
What causes postpartum hemorrhage?Once a baby is delivered, the uterus normally contracts and pushes out the placenta. After the placenta is delivered, these contractions help put pressure on the bleeding vessels in the area where the placenta was attached. If the uterus does not contract strongly enough, these blood vessels bleed freely. This is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage. If small pieces of the placenta stay attached, bleeding is also likely. Postpartum hemorrhage may also be caused by:
Who is at risk for postpartum hemorrhage?Some women are at greater risk for postpartum hemorrhage than others. Conditions that may increase the risk include:
What are the symptoms of postpartum hemorrhage?These are the most common symptoms of postpartum hemorrhage:
The symptoms of postpartum hemorrhage may look like other health conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is postpartum hemorrhage diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will review your health history and do a physical exam. Lab tests often help with the diagnosis. Other tests may include:
How is postpartum hemorrhage treated?The aim of treatment of postpartum hemorrhage is to find and stop the cause of the bleeding as soon as possible. Treatment may include:
Replacing lost blood and fluids is important in treating postpartum hemorrhage. You may quickly be given IV (intravenous) fluids, blood, and blood products to prevent shock. Oxygen may also help. Postpartum hemorrhage can be quite serious. But when your provider quickly finds and treats the cause of bleeding, you often will be able to recover fully. What are possible complications of postpartum hemorrhage?Losing lots of blood quickly can cause a severe drop in your blood pressure. This may lead to shock and death if not treated. What can I do to prevent postpartum hemorrhage?It’s important to know before delivery what puts you at risk for postpartum hemorrhage. It's important to have emergency care available in case it is needed at the time of delivery and after birth. Early care can reduce the amount of blood loss. When should I call my healthcare provider?Most cases of postpartum hemorrhage occur at delivery or soon after. But you may bleed heavily after you go home from the hospital. Talk with your healthcare provider about the symptoms of postpartum hemorrhage and what to watch for. During your hospital stay or once you get home, call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:
Key points about postpartum hemorrhage
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
How do you treat postpartum hemorrhage?Treatment depends on what's causing your bleeding. It may include: Getting fluids, medicine (like Pitocin) or having a blood transfusion (having new blood put into your body). You get these treatments through a needle into your vein (also called intravenous or IV), or you may get some directly in the uterus.
What are priority nursing interventions for postpartum hemorrhage?Nursing Interventions
Save all perineal pads used during bleeding and weigh them to determine the amount of blood loss. Place the woman in a side lying position to make sure that no blood is pooling underneath her. Assess lochia frequently to determine if the amount discharged is still within the normal limits.
What happens if you have postpartum hemorrhage?Postpartum hemorrhage is a serious and potentially fatal condition. With PPH, you can lose large amounts of blood very quickly. It causes a sharp decline in blood pressure, which can restrict blood flow to your brain and other organs. This is called shock, and it can lead to death.
What are the signs of hemorrhage after birth?What are the symptoms of postpartum hemorrhage?. Uncontrolled bleeding.. Decreased blood pressure.. Increased heart rate.. Decrease in the red blood cell count.. Swelling and pain in the vagina and nearby area if bleeding is from a hematoma.. |