Acute Postpartum Hemorrhage
The pregnancy and childbirth journey offers a blend of beautiful and challenging moments, culminating in a unique and unforgettable experience. However, some mothers encounter a serious health challenge: acute postpartum hemorrhage. If you have faced this or wish to protect yourself by learning more, this information is for you.
Acute Postpartum Hemorrhage:
Postpartum hemorrhage refers to a significant loss of blood from the uterus after childbirth, whether vaginal or cesarean. This condition usually happens when the uterine muscles fail to contract adequately after childbirth, allowing continuous bleeding from open blood vessels. As one of the leading causes of maternal deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth, postpartum hemorrhage presents a major challenge to women’s reproductive health.
Types of Postpartum Hemorrhage:
Postpartum hemorrhage falls into two main categories, each with distinct characteristics and severity levels:
1. Early Hemorrhage:
This type develops within the first 24 hours after childbirth and occurs more frequently than late hemorrhage. Early hemorrhage carries a higher risk of complications, including significant blood loss and other health issues.
2. Late Hemorrhage:
Late hemorrhage begins more than 24 hours after childbirth and may last up to two to six weeks. Although less common, it still poses a serious health risk and demands immediate medical attention.
Causes of Early Hemorrhage:
Early hemorrhage usually occurs in the first hours after childbirth and is generally related to insufficient uterine muscle contraction to apply pressure on blood vessels and stop the bleeding. Some of the major contributing factors include:
- Placental Issues: These include retained parts of the placenta in the uterus or abnormal attachment to the uterine wall.
- Uterine Contraction Disorders: This may occur due to multiple births, large-sized babies, or a large amount of fluid around the baby.
- Tears in the Birth Canal: These tears can occur during a natural or cesarean delivery and increase the risk of bleeding.
- Blood Clotting Disorders: Certain blood clotting disorders can increase the risk of bleeding after delivery.
Causes of Late Hemorrhage:
Late postpartum hemorrhage often results from the following:
- Uterine Infection: Infections may inflame the uterine lining, causing bleeding.
- Retained Placental Tissue: Remaining placental fragments after delivery can trigger ongoing bleeding.
- Blood Clotting Disorders: Similar to early hemorrhage, clotting disorders can play a role.
Complications of Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Continuing Threat to Maternal Health
Excessive bleeding after childbirth is one of the most serious complications threatening the mother’s life, as it can lead to a range of severe health consequences, including:
- Infertility
- Uterine rupture
- Urinary tract injuries
- Pelvic hematomas
- Sepsis
- Even death
If you have any questions or concerns about postpartum hemorrhage or need guidance on protecting your health, Dr. Mona is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation or to get your questions answered – your well-being is our priority
