Post partum hemorrhage is estimated to affect approximately four percent of mothers after the births of their babies. This is a very serious and potentially life threatening complication of child birth. Post partum hemorrhage (PPH) can happen after either a vaginal birth or a c section.
There are some potentially serious complications that can result from post partum hemorrhage, some with long term ramifications. PPH can result in the need for blood transfusion, surgery to stop the bleeding, and in very serious cases, the need for a hysterectomy to get the bleeding under control.
Of course, the most serious complication is maternal death. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that seventeen percent of all maternal mortality is related to post partum hemorrhage. The risk is slightly higher for women of certain ethnic groups, including Hispanic and Asian.
In many cases, the post partum hemorrhage is due to the failure of the uterus to constrict as it normally should after the baby is born. The constriction of the uterus helps stop bleeding at the site where the placenta was located. If the uterus remains enlarged and doesn’t begin to shrink, hemorrhage can occur.
There are many factors that play a role in the failure of the uterus to constrict after delivery. One cause is an overextended uterus, which can result from a multiple birth. Other causes include a portion of the placenta is retained in the uterus or certain interventions including the use of drugs like pitocin to augment labor, delivery with forceps and episiotomy.
Certain risk factors are thought to increase the risk of post partum hemorrhage. These factors include a personal or family history of PPH, multiple gestation, Asian or Hispanic descent, certain pregnancy complications such as pre eclampsia or toxemia, and pregnancy with twins or higher order multiples. If you are in a high risk category, the medical staff will monitor you closely after baby is born.
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