Is postpartum hemorrhage dangerous?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on April 14, 2025
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Postpartum hemorrhage refers to bleeding exceeding 500 milliliters within a short period after childbirth, or bleeding exceeding 1000 milliliters within 24 hours after childbirth. Postpartum hemorrhage is relatively dangerous because a large amount of bleeding in a short period of time after childbirth can cause the mother to experience hemorrhagic shock, and in severe cases, can lead to maternal death. Postpartum hemorrhage is currently the leading risk factor for maternal mortality. With increased understanding of the disease and improved treatment levels, the majority of postpartum hemorrhages can be managed successfully. The treatment of postpartum hemorrhage primarily involves early detection and early intervention. If symptoms of significant bleeding occur, it is essential to carefully identify the cause of the bleeding and provide targeted treatment. This can control the condition early and prevent worsening.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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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).

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Is postpartum hemorrhage dangerous?

Postpartum hemorrhage refers to bleeding exceeding 500 milliliters within a short period after childbirth, or bleeding exceeding 1000 milliliters within 24 hours after childbirth. Postpartum hemorrhage is relatively dangerous because a large amount of bleeding in a short period of time after childbirth can cause the mother to experience hemorrhagic shock, and in severe cases, can lead to maternal death. Postpartum hemorrhage is currently the leading risk factor for maternal mortality. With increased understanding of the disease and improved treatment levels, the majority of postpartum hemorrhages can be managed successfully. The treatment of postpartum hemorrhage primarily involves early detection and early intervention. If symptoms of significant bleeding occur, it is essential to carefully identify the cause of the bleeding and provide targeted treatment. This can control the condition early and prevent worsening.

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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The main causes of postpartum hemorrhage

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.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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The most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage is divided into two scenarios. The first type occurs within 24 hours after childbirth and is seen in four situations. The first is due to inadequate uterine contraction, the second is trauma to the soft birth canal, the third concerns placental factors, and the fourth involves coagulation disorders. The second type of hemorrhage is late postpartum bleeding, which occurs one to two months after childbirth. This can be associated with postpartum infections, slow recovery of physical condition postpartum, retained products, and poor healing of cesarean section scars.

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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.