Postpartum Haemorrhage: Common Causes And Treatment For New Moms By Expert

The postpartum period brings along a lot of complications and one among them is postpartum haemorrhage. PPH or postpartum haemorrhage is a health condition where excess bleeding occurs in the genital tract after birth. One in 100 women suffers from postpartum haemorrhageand it's also one of the leading causes of maternal sickness and mortality.

The issue usually occurs when the placenta is delivered. However, it can also happen later during the postpartum period. We spoke to Dr. Monica Agarwal, Senior Consultant - Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Chandigarh and asked the expert to explain the health condition in detail.

Causes Of Postpartum Haemorrhage

When the placenta is delivered, our uterus contracts to push it out. If the uterus fails to contract, the blood vessels bleed freely. If parts of the placenta stay attached, bleeding increases. This is one of the most common causes of postpartum haemorrhage.

• Tear in the cervix or tissues of the vagina
• Inversion of uterus
• Blood clotting disorders
• Placenta problems
• Tear in a blood vessel in the uterus
• Trauma

Who Is At Risk For Postpartum Haemorrhage?

Some new mothers are at a higher risk of postpartum haemorrhage. The following conditions add to the risk -

• Obesity
• Infection
• Prolonged labour
• Caesarean delivery
• High blood pressure disorders of pregnancy
• Age>40 years
• Multiple fetuses
• like twins or triplets
• Placenta previa
• Placental abruption
• Having many previous births
• Over distended uterus

Symptoms Of Postpartum Haemorrhage

• Decrease in the red blood cell count
• Increased heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Swelling and pain in the vagina and nearby areas

Don't Miss: Postpartum Bleeding Or Lochia: Expert Shares All About The Vaginal Discharge

Postpartum Haemorrhage Treatment

Postpartum haemorrhage is a medical emergency and requires immediate diagnosis of cause to stop bleeding as soon as possible. Treatment usually involves the following steps -

• Uterus massage to make it contract
• Medicines to make the uterus contract
• Removal of placental bits from the uterus
• Repair of tears in vagina and cervix
• Use of balloon tamponade to increase pressure inside the uterus
• Uterine artery embolization, if available in the hospital
• Laparotomy if medical therapy doesn't work
• Hysterectomy is performed as a lifesaving measure

Don't Miss: Postpartum Depression May Be The Culprit Behind Why You Can't Connect With Your Baby

Prevention - Postpartum Haemorrhage

To prevent this health condition, would be mothers should take the following preventive measures -

• Discuss all the risks beforehand
• Follow a nutrition loaded diet, consume lots of protein, iron, calcium to build your stamina to deal with complications
• Take iron and protein rich diet along with the supplements provided by your doctor to maintain hemoglobin levels
• Try to keep two to three
• years of gap between babies

Choose your hospital carefully. The centre you choose must have the facilities to deal with any complications., Iit should be 24*7 functional with availability of gynecologist, neonatologist, anesthetist and other staff to handle emergencies.

After recovering from postpartum haemorrhage, it is imperative you go for a follow up with your doctor. Other than taking care of your physical health, diet, make sure you keep a check on your mental health too. Ask for support from your family during this period, don't hesitate reaching out to an expert for psychological counseling.