What are the warning signs of postpartum hemorrhage?

Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Postpartum hemorrhage generally does not have warning signs but usually has precipitating factors. These factors include maternal fear, psychological tension, macrosomia or twin pregnancy, as well as conditions like uterine fibroids, placental abruption, or placenta previa. In cases of placenta previa during a cesarean section, there is a high likelihood of severe bleeding. There is only one condition that might signal an impending postpartum hemorrhage, which is placental abruption. If placental abruption occurs, it can cause severe abdominal pain along with issues of hypertension during pregnancy. If a person with pregnancy-induced hypertension experiences severe abdominal pain, this could be a precursor to postpartum hemorrhage.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How long is the critical period for postpartum hemorrhage?

Postpartum hemorrhage generally occurs within 24 hours after giving birth, and sometimes it can occur 1-2 weeks postpartum. It is important to pay special attention during this time to see if there is an increase in vaginal secretions or bleeding. Generally, after giving birth, it is necessary to observe in the delivery room for two hours; if there is no bleeding within those two hours, the patient can be moved back to the ward. The main causes of postpartum hemorrhage include poor contraction of the uterus, retained placental tissue, abnormalities in the coagulation function of the woman's blood, and tears in the birth canal.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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Can you drink brown sugar water after childbirth bleeding?

Can you drink brown sugar water after childbirth, including after natural childbirth and cesarean section? If it is after natural childbirth, you can drink brown sugar water, but you must check if it contains jujube components. If it does contain jujube, do not drink such brown sugar water. If it is after a cesarean section, do not drink brown sugar water because there are gastrointestinal recovery issues post-cesarean section, especially in the first 1-2 days when there hasn't been gas passing yet. Drinking a lot of brown sugar water can cause abdominal bloating, intestinal obstruction, and other issues. Generally, after a cesarean section, you can drink some brown sugar water after 10 days, but also do not drink brown sugar water that contains jujube.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Postpartum Hemorrhage Emergency Response Process

Firstly, it is necessary to administer IV fluids to the patient and establish two venous accesses to urgently replenish blood volume. Then, it is important to manage breathing to ensure the patient's airway is clear, and provide oxygen if necessary. Patient's vital signs should also be checked for any abnormalities. Additionally, treatment should be given based on the cause of bleeding. If the bleeding is due to poor uterine contraction, it is crucial to promptly enhance uterine contractions to quickly stop the bleeding. At this time, uterotonic agents can be used, or manual uterine massage can be employed to stem the bleeding. If the bleeding is caused by a surgical incision, then the incision needs to be sutured properly.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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The difference between postpartum hemorrhage and menstruation

The difference between postpartum hemorrhage and menstruation varies whether it is a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section. The timing of postpartum bleeding varies, and it also relates to postpartum lochia. If the bleeding occurs within 24 hours, it is called severe postpartum hemorrhage; most frequently, we encounter bleeding after 24 hours. Typically, for vaginal deliveries, bleeding occurs within seven days. In cesarean sections, due to the uterine incision, healing is needed, and the duration of bleeding varies by individual and health, commonly lasting from one to two months post-operation. Postpartum bleeding is due to incomplete healing of the uterine lining, which is different from menstrual bleeding. Menstrual bleeding is usually heavier in the initial days and the blood is dark red with a cyclic pattern. In contrast, postpartum bleeding does not have a cyclic nature; it usually consists of fresh red or dark blood, whereas menstrual bleeding typically involves dark blood.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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What are the causes of postpartum hemorrhage?

Under normal circumstances, postpartum hemorrhage is one of the most severe complications that can occur during childbirth. Postpartum hemorrhage can be caused by several reasons: The first is mainly due to uterine atony leading to bleeding, which is relatively common and generally requires the administration of potent oxytocics to promote uterine contraction; The second is mainly due to local tears in the vagina or cervix leading to bleeding; The third is primarily caused by issues such as placental adhesion or implantation; The fourth is due to disorders in the body's coagulation function, leading to uncontrolled bleeding.