What are the complication of postpartum haemorrhage
Andrew Campbell
Published Apr 27, 2026
Immediate and late complications of primary postpartum hemorrhage include hypovolemic shock, cerebral anoxia, renal failure, anemia, puerperal sepsis, and Sheehan’s syndrome. The antepartum hemoglobin status and the rate of blood loss influence hemorrhage outcome.
What are the complication of postpartum hemorrhage?
Complications include sterility, uterine perforation, uterine synechiae (Asherman syndrome), urinary tract injury and genitourinary fistula, bowel injury and genitointestinal fistula, vascular injury, pelvic hematoma, and sepsis.
When do most postpartum complications occur?
Most postpartum complications occur within 15 days after childbirth.
Which complication is most likely responsible for a delayed postpartum hemorrhage?
The main causes of secondary post-partum haemorrhage are: Uterine infection – (known as endometritis). Risk factors include Caesarean section, premature rupture of membranes and long labour.What is a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage?
Risk factors for SPPH. The risk factors for SPPH were maternal age < 18 years, a previous cesarean section, history of PPH, conception through IVF, pre-delivery anemia, stillbirth, prolonged labor, placenta previa, placental abruption, PAS and macrosomia.
What are the management of post partum hemorrhage?
Management of post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) involves the treatment of uterine atony, evacuation of retained placenta or placental fragments, surgery due to uterine or birth canal trauma, balloon tamponade, effective volume replacement and transfusion therapy, and occasionally, selective arterial embolization.
What is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage?
Uterine atony. This is the most common cause of PPH. It happens when the muscles in your uterus don’t contract (tighten) well after birth. Uterine contractions after birth help stop bleeding from the place in the uterus where the placenta breaks away.
What is the most common complication postpartum?
- postpartum infections, most often in the urinary tract and uterus.
- excessive bleeding after delivery.
- postpartum depression and/or “baby blues”
- sleep deprivation.
- breast and breastfeeding problems, such as swollen breasts, mastitis or clogged milk ducts.
Why is oxytocin given in post partum haemorrhage?
Oxytocin prevents excessive postpartum bleeding by helping the uterus to contract. It is given to the mother by injection into a vein or into muscle during or immediately after the birth of her baby.
What is postpartum sepsis?Sepsis is a complication of a severe infection. When the immune system fights the infection, sepsis sees the body go too far and start to attack organs and other tissues. When it occurs in pregnant women or within six weeks after giving birth, it’s called maternal or postpartum sepsis (RCOG, 2012).
Article first time published onWhat happens if you do too much after giving birth?
You may notice that if you try to do too much while you’re recovering, your bleeding might increase. It’s important to pay attention to your body and listen to cues that you need to slow down. Overdoing it after birth can lead to injury, muscle strain, and feelings of overwhelm or anxiety.
What are the 3 main causes of 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.
How do you prevent postpartum complications?
Prevention tips Prioritize your postpartum health. Start thinking about your postpartum care plan before you give birth. After childbirth, talk to your health care provider about your risk of a pregnancy-related complication and any special follow-up care you might need. Know the signs and symptoms of a problem.
What are the four risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage arising during pregnancy?
Risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage among the deliveries were: fetal macrosomia (over 4000 g); pregnancy-induced hypertension; pregnancy generated by assisted reproductive technology; severe vaginal or perineal lacerations; and weight gain over 15 kg during pregnancy.
What happens if you lose 2 Litres of blood?
If too much blood volume is lost, a condition known as hypovolemic shock can occur. Hypovolemic shock is a medical emergency in which severe blood and fluid loss impedes the heart to pump sufficient blood to the body. As a result, tissues cannot get enough oxygen, leading to tissue and organ damage.
What is the role of medications in the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage?
Medications used to control postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) are in the category of uterotonic drugs. These drugs stimulate contraction of the uterine muscle, helping to control PPH.
Why is Cytotec given after delivery?
Health experts say the drug misoprostol is saving women’s lives around the world. It’s also controversial. Originally developed to prevent gastric ulcers, it’s also been shown to prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth. That’s the leading cause of maternal death in the developing world.
What is the contraindication of oxytocin?
The induction or continuance of labor with oxytocin should be avoided when the following conditions or situations are present: evidence of fetal distress, fetal prematurity, abnormal fetal position (including unengaged head), placenta previa, uterine prolapse, vasa previa, cephalopelvic disproportion, cervical cancer, …
What are the 3 stages of sepsis?
The three stages of sepsis are: sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. When your immune system goes into overdrive in response to an infection, sepsis may develop as a result.
Why are postpartum mothers at risk for infection?
The majority of postpartum infections result from physiologic and iatrogenic trauma to the abdominal wall and reproductive, genital, and urinary tracts that occur during childbirth or abortion, which allows for the introduction of bacteria into these normally sterile environments.
What are signs of postpartum infection?
- fever.
- pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis caused by a swollen uterus.
- foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- pale skin, which can be a sign of large volume blood loss.
- chills.
- feelings of discomfort or illness.
- headache.
- loss of appetite.
Which is the best position to sleep after delivery?
Help your perineum heal. Try warm sitz baths for 20 minutes a few times a day to ease pain. Aim to avoid long periods of standing or sitting, and sleep on your side.
How much should you bleed postpartum?
In fact, women typically bleed up to a half-quart of blood following a normal delivery and up to a quart of blood after a cesarean section (C-section). However, about 3 to 5 percent of new moms experience excessive blood loss, or postpartum hemorrhage.
How can I make postpartum bleeding stop faster?
Medication — Uterotonic medication is usually the first choice of treatment for postpartum hemorrhage. It helps the uterus to contract, stopping the bleeding. Uterine massage — When a health care provider notices heavy bleeding after delivery, they may attempt to stop it by massaging the uterus.