Postpartum Hemorrhage
Overview
Causes
Causes may be:
- A loss of muscle tone in the womb after birth
- Wounds in the birth canal
- Not fully delivering the placenta
- Bleeding problems in the pregnant person that make the blood unable to clot (rare)
In some people, uterine inversion or uterine rupture may also be a cause.
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
The main symptom is heavy blood loss after having a child. There may also be swelling and pain in the pelvic area.
Treatments
Treatment
Treatment is based on how much bleeding a person has. Options are:
- Replacing lost fluids, such as with a blood transfusion
- Oxygen therapy
- Medicines to make the uterus contract
- Manual massage of the uterus
Some people may need surgery when other methods do not help. The type of surgery done depends on the source of the bleeding.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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