Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the most serious complications that can occur after birth, and affects new mothers even after the first 24 hours or weeks. Defined as excessive bleeding after birth, PPH can lead to fatal conditions if not addressed immediately. While delivery often experiences joy, it is necessary for mothers and their families that they are aware of possible risks, such as PPH, to ensure timely medical care. Understanding the strategies for causes, symptoms, and prevention strengthens new mothers' ability to protect their health during a crucial postpartum period and promotes a safe and confident approach to the motherhood role.
What is Postpartum Hemorrhage?
Postpartum bleeding (PPH) is a serious medical condition that refers to excessive bleeding after birth. This usually occurs when a female loses more than 500 ml of blood after a vaginal birth or more than 1000 ml after a caesarean section. PPH may occur immediately after birth (primary PPH) or heavy postpartum bleeding from 24 hours to 12 weeks later.
The most common cause is the uterus Atney, where the uterus is unable to contract properly after delivery. Still, it can also result in the maintained placental tissue, birth channel damage, or coagulation disorders. Early recognition and treatment are necessary to prevent serious complications or even the mother's death.
Causes of Postpartum Hemorrhage
Placenta Accreta
The placenta Acreta occurs when the placenta grows very deeply in the uterine wall, which makes it difficult to differentiate naturally after delivering the baby. This abnormal connection can cause significant bleeding when attempts are made to remove the placenta, as the blood vessels can tear during the separation process. It is more common in women with previous caesarean sections or uterine surgery and often requires surgical procedures to handle bleeding effectively.
Coagulation Disorders
Coagulation disorders, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), interfere with the normal blood clotting process. In connection with delivery, these conditions can be life-threatening because they prevent the body from naturally preventing bleeding. DIC can be triggered by complications such as severe pre-pregnancy conditions, infection, or intact placenta tissue and requires immediate medical treatment with blood products and supportive care.
Inversion of the Uterus
The Inversion of the uterus is a rare but severe condition where the uterus swings inside and spreads into the vagina through the cervix or even after birth. This usually occurs when the placenta is barely drawn before the uterine contractions, which causes severe bleeding and shock. Along with fluid and blood replacement, manual or surgical removal of the uterus is important to stabilize the mother.
Overdistended Uterus
The result of an overlined uterus is when the uterus extends more than normal due to conditions such as a large baby, more infants (twins or more), or carrying additional amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios). The uterus struggles to contract properly after a uterine delivery, which causes an important cause of bleeding after birth for subsequent pregnancies. In such cases, preventive measures and careful monitoring are necessary during and after delivery.
Birth Canal Trauma
Birth channel trauma refers to the tears or lacerations in the perineum under the cervix, vagina or perineum during birth, especially in cases of rapid labor, use of equipment such as seaweed or vacuum, or the delivery of an older child. Even when the uterus contracts, bleeding from this damage can be severe and may not be noticed in the beginning. Early identification and surgical repair of this laceration is important for controlling bleeding and preventing further complications.
Symptoms of Postpartum Hemorrhage
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Sucks more than one pillow or passes through large blood clots per hour.
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Lightheadedness, unconsciousness, or dizziness due to blood loss.
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Trying to compensate for blood loss as the pulse has increased.
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Signs of shock and poor blood circulation.
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Internal bleeding or hematoma may indicate.
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Inability to remain alert due to excessive fatigue or vigilance.
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An important cause of bleeding is the uterine artery.
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Symptoms of severe blood loss affecting the brain
Prevention Tips for Postpartum Hemorrhage
Tip 1: Identifying risk factors such as anemia, high blood pressure, or placenta problems can help reduce complications during delivery.
Tip 2: Eat iron-rich foods and supplement with the prescribed supplements for the manufacture of iron stores and to prevent excessive weakness from potential blood loss.
Tip 3: Distribute with trained professionals to a well-equipped hospital or birth center that can handle emergencies such as bleeding after birth.
Tip 4: Requests or consent to uterine contracts and to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding (eg, oxytocin) and controlled wiring.
Tip 5: Be awake for symptoms such as severe bleeding, period fatigue, or a soft uterus for hours after birth and also use maternity pads for excessive bleeding.
Tip 6: Trained professionals handle or maintain placenta delivery to prevent complications such as uterine rupture.
Tip 7: Support proper nutrition and hydration. Support the uterine contract effectively after recovery and delivery.
Medical Management and Treatment
Treatment of medical treatment and postpartum bleeding (PPH) focuses on preventing bleeding quickly and stabilizing the mother's condition. The first phase typically involves the administration of uterine drugs, such as oxytocin, to facilitate uterine massage and contraction.
If the bleeding persists, additional medications such as misoprostol or tranexamic acid may be used. In cases where medications are not effective, procedures such as manual removal of the placenta, repair of birth canal tears, or balloon tamponade can be done to control bleeding.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help?
If a new mother is experiencing signs of excessive bleeding after the child's birth, it is important to get immediate medical help. Soaking more than one pad per hour in warm water, crossing large blood clots, feeling dizzy or fainting, a rapid heartbeat, or a uterus that does not seem soft or contract. Postpartum wellness involves closely monitoring such symptoms as yellow or cold skin, confusion, blurred vision, or severe stomach pain or vaginal area should also not be ignored. These may indicate bleeding after birth, which can quickly escalate to a critical state.
Conclusion
Postpartum bleeding is a serious but manageable condition when identified and treated immediately. Understanding the causes, identifying symptoms, and knowing when to seek medical help are necessary steps to ensure the mother's safety. With proper birth care, efficient distribution of aid, and monitoring after birth, the risk associated with postpartum bleeding can be significantly reduced. Preventive measures, such as maintaining healthy hemoglobin levels and active treatment during labor, enable mothers to take responsibility for their health. By raising awareness and encouraging early intervention, we can help new mothers experience a safe delivery and support their improvement with self-confidence, comfort, and care.
FAQ’s
When Is Bleeding After Birth?
PPH usually occurs within 24 hours of delivery (primary PPH), but up to 12 weeks of subsequent (secondary PPH) can also occur.
What Are The Usual Causes Of Bleeding After Birth?
The most common causes include the zonation of the uterus, intact placenta, birth canal trauma, uterine fractures, and coagulation disorders.
What Is The Risk Of Developing Bleeding After Birth?
Women are at high risk of PPH, long-term labor, many pregnancies, older children, high blood pressure, or coagulation problems.
How Can Bleeding After Birth Be Stopped?
Prevention includes good prenatal care, maintaining healthy hemoglobin levels, active management of the third stage of labor, and delivery with effective medical assistance.
What Symptoms Should I Look For At The Birth Of A Child?
Look for severe bleeding, large blood clots, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, yellow skin, fatigue, or a uterus that does not feel soft and contract.
