Does postpartum hemorrhage require a blood transfusion?

Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

Updated on September 23, 2024

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The definition of postpartum hemorrhage is bleeding greater than 500 milliliters approximately 24 hours after vaginal delivery. Whether blood transfusion is necessary for postpartum hemorrhage mainly depends on the specific amount of bleeding. For average women, if the hemoglobin level is normal before delivery and the bleeding is between 500-1000 milliliters, the body can compensate for the anemia through normal adjustments, and generally, a blood transfusion is not required. However, if the bleeding exceeds 1000 milliliters, this situation is considered massive hemorrhage and must be treated with a blood transfusion, otherwise it may lead to hemorrhagic shock or DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation).

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Written by Liu Wei Jie

Obstetrics

56sec

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Why is uterine curettage necessary for postpartum hemorrhage?

We encounter a situation where postpartum hemorrhage is caused by the presence of residual material inside the uterus, which can influence the contraction of the uterus. This condition can lead to severe postpartum hemorrhage. The most important solution for postpartum hemorrhage is to immediately stop the bleeding. Therefore, by removing the residual material from the uterine cavity, the uterus can return to its normal contraction, achieving the purpose of immediately stopping the bleeding. It is also very common to need uterine evacuation after childbirth, as this process might cause some trauma to the uterus. Although it can be somewhat traumatic, this trauma is minimal compared to severe postpartum hemorrhage. In such cases, we must carefully weigh the pros and cons and decisively decide to proceed with the evacuation of the uterus.

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Written by Yue Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min

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What does postpartum hemorrhage feel like?

Postpartum hemorrhage refers to the condition where, within 24 hours after vaginal delivery, the amount of blood loss reaches 500 milliliters, and in the case of a cesarean section, the blood loss amounts to 1000 milliliters. During this time, the woman may experience a substantial amount of bleeding from the vagina, along with large blood clots. The primary cause of this condition is often significantly associated with poor contraction of the uterine muscles. Post-delivery, the blood sinuses in the uterine muscle layer are open, requiring the uterus to contract. If the contractions are inadequate, it may lead to bleeding from these blood sinuses. Additionally, bleeding could also potentially stem from post-surgical wounds, such as those from a cesarean section or wounds from vaginal delivery.

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Written by Yue Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

58sec

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Measures for postpartum hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage refers to a situation where there is blood loss exceeding 500 milliliters within 24 hours after the birth of a child. Initially, massaging the uterus should be performed, as most of this bleeding is due to poor uterine contraction, and the doctor can press on the uterus from above the patient's lower abdomen. Additionally, high doses of uterotonic drugs can be used to induce uterine contraction. If these measures do not reduce bleeding, packing the uterine cavity with gauze can be employed to stop the bleeding from the uterus. Furthermore, if the bleeding is very severe, embolization of the uterine artery or the internal iliac artery can be done to halt the uterine bleeding.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

1min 4sec

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Postpartum Hemorrhage Prevention Measures

Postpartum hemorrhage can cause significant harm to a woman's body and, in severe cases, can even pose a threat to the patient's life. Therefore, it is crucial to implement preventative measures for postpartum hemorrhage. During prenatal check-ups, it is important to assess whether the pregnant woman has any risks for bleeding, such as checking if her coagulation function is normal. Additionally, it is essential to check for any serious comorbidities, such as hepatitis, renal failure, or other hematological diseases. These conditions should be treated before pregnancy. It is also advised to give birth in a reputable hospital, where the delivery can be conducted under the guidance of experienced doctors in a well-equipped facility. This can help alleviate the tension of the pregnant woman, contributing to a smoother delivery process. Moreover, within the first two hours after childbirth, careful monitoring of vaginal bleeding is necessary. If there is a significant amount of vaginal bleeding, timely hemostatic treatment should be administered.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

44sec

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Does postpartum hemorrhage require a blood transfusion?

The definition of postpartum hemorrhage is bleeding greater than 500 milliliters approximately 24 hours after vaginal delivery. Whether blood transfusion is necessary for postpartum hemorrhage mainly depends on the specific amount of bleeding. For average women, if the hemoglobin level is normal before delivery and the bleeding is between 500-1000 milliliters, the body can compensate for the anemia through normal adjustments, and generally, a blood transfusion is not required. However, if the bleeding exceeds 1000 milliliters, this situation is considered massive hemorrhage and must be treated with a blood transfusion, otherwise it may lead to hemorrhagic shock or DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation).