The main causes of postpartum hemorrhage

Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 08, 2024
00:00
00:00

There are four main causes of postpartum hemorrhage: one is uterine atony, two is due to trauma in the soft birth canal, three is due to placental factors, and four is coagulation dysfunction. Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage clinically. Various factors can lead to uterine atony, such as maternal exhaustion during labor due to not eating, leading to physical decay, which can also cause uterine atony. Additionally, an excessively large uterus, such as from excessive amniotic fluid, twins, or triplets, can lead to poor uterine contraction and retraction rates after childbirth. As for injuries in the soft birth canal, they mainly occur due to insufficient protection of the perineum during childbirth or inappropriate use of vacuum assistance during the second stage of labor, causing trauma in the soft birth canal. Placental factors include placental adhesion, placenta accreta, partial placental abruption, and retained placenta, all of which can lead to postpartum bleeding due to placental issues.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
44sec home-news-image

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).

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 34sec home-news-image

Postpartum Hemorrhage Etiology

The causes of postpartum hemorrhage can be broadly summarized into four main factors: 1) Inadequate uterine contraction. 2) Lacerations in the soft birth canal. 3) Placental factors. 4) Coagulation dysfunction. The most common cause in clinical settings is inadequate uterine contraction. The manifestation of inadequate uterine contraction primarily appears as the placenta and membranes being expelled intact postpartum, no injuries in the soft birth canal, and an unclear uterine contour upon palpation. The uterus becomes firm when massaged and softens when the massage stops. This condition is indicative of postpartum hemorrhage caused by inadequate uterine contraction. Postpartum hemorrhage due to lacerations in the soft birth canal typically presents as immediate bleeding following the delivery of the baby. The blood is bright red and may contain clots, which mostly suggests lacerations in the soft birth canal. If significant bleeding occurs about five to ten minutes after the delivery of the placenta and baby, this is generally considered to be related to placental factors. If the bleeding is unclotted and continuous, this severe hemorrhage might be due to a coagulation dysfunction.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
1min 4sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
48sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
46sec home-news-image

Is it normal to have ovulation bleeding during postpartum breastfeeding?

During the postpartum breastfeeding period, it is normal for mothers to experience bleeding during ovulation. Most women who bleed during ovulation are affected by fluctuations in hormone levels in the body. The bleeding usually occurs midway between two menstrual periods, and the amount of blood is relatively small and light in color. It usually returns to normal within one to two days, so there is no need to worry when ovulation bleeding occurs. It is important to rest, avoid overwork, enhance nutrition, keep warm, and avoid getting cold. During breastfeeding, it is essential to observe the amount of vaginal bleeding. If menstruation resumes, it is crucial to pay attention to contraception.