post partum haemorrhage

Question 1

Risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage (PPH):

PPH in previous pregnancy

BMI >35

Multiple pregnancy

Parity >4

Placenta praevia or accreta

Placental abruption

Pre-eclampsia or gestational hypertension or anaemia

Delivery via Caesarean section

Induction of labour

Instrumented delivery (forceps or ventouse) and episiotomy

Prolonged labour (greater than 12 hours)

Macrosomia (>4kg baby)

Advanced maternal age

Answer 1

risk factors

Question 2

what is PPH

Answer 2

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is generally the loss of at least 500ml of blood within the first 24 hours of delivery.

Question 3

4 causes

Answer 3

Tone

The most common cause of PPH is uterine atony, which is the failure of the uterus to contract after delivery.

Trauma

PPH may come from a birth canal injury or tear. This risk is increased in instrumented deliveries.

Tissue

Retained placental or foetal tissue can lead to continued bleeding

Thrombin

Coagulopathies can lead to continued bleeding due to a failure of clotting.