What is Postpartum Hemorrhage?
Postpartum hemorrhage is excessive bleeding following the birth of a baby. About 4 percent of women have postpartum hemorrhage and it is more likely with a cesarean birth. Hemorrhage may occur before or after the placenta is delivered. The average amount of blood loss after the birth of a single baby in vaginal delivery is about 500 ml (or about a half of a quart). The average amount of blood loss for a cesarean birth is approximately 1,000 ml (or one quart). Most postpartum hemorrhage occurs right after delivery, but it can occur later as well.
Most women go through labor and delivery without very much of a problem. They may feel some pain and fatigue but all of this is overshadowed by the joy of the precious new life they have brought into the world. Sometimes however problems can occur after a baby is born. A condition referred to as postpartum hemorrhage occurs after a mother delivers and it does not always happen right away. According to the University of Virginia Health System only about 4% of mothers will experience a postpartum hemorrhage after giving birth. Women who have a postpartum hemorrhage will start to bleed excessively and uncontrollably and may have a high heart rate, low blood pressure, and a low red blood cell count. If a postpartum hemorrhage is not treated right away it can lead to the death of the mother. Causes of postpartum hemmorhage can vary. Sometimes upon the delivery of the placenta pieces are left inside of the uterus. If this happens the woman’s body will continue to bleed. Other times there are
