Postpartum bleeding: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Postpartum bleeding | |||
| image = [[File:NASG_rocket_girl_photo.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) used to treat postpartum hemorrhage | |||
| field = [[Obstetrics]] | |||
| synonyms = Postpartum hemorrhage, PPH | |||
| symptoms = [[Heavy bleeding]] after childbirth | |||
| complications = [[Hypovolemic shock]], [[anemia]], [[death]] | |||
| onset = Within 24 hours of delivery (primary), up to 6 weeks postpartum (secondary) | |||
| duration = Varies | |||
| causes = [[Uterine atony]], [[retained placenta]], [[trauma]], [[coagulation disorders]] | |||
| risks = [[Multiple pregnancy]], [[prolonged labor]], [[induced labor]], [[episiotomy]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical assessment]], [[blood tests]], [[ultrasound]] | |||
| prevention = [[Active management of the third stage of labor]], [[uterotonics]] | |||
| treatment = [[Uterotonics]], [[IV fluids]], [[blood transfusion]], [[surgery]] | |||
| frequency = Affects about 1-5% of deliveries | |||
| deaths = Leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Front_View_of_Postpartum_Uterine_Massage.png|Front view of postpartum uterine massage|left|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Side_View_of_Postpartum_Uterine_Massage_with_Internal_Anatomy.png|Side view of postpartum uterine massage with internal anatomy|left|thumb]] | |||
'''Postpartum bleeding''' or '''lochia''' is the heavy bleeding that a woman experiences after giving birth ([[postpartum period]]). This bleeding is the body's way of getting rid of excess blood and tissue in the uterus that helped the baby grow. Postpartum bleeding typically lasts for two to six weeks after delivery. | '''Postpartum bleeding''' or '''lochia''' is the heavy bleeding that a woman experiences after giving birth ([[postpartum period]]). This bleeding is the body's way of getting rid of excess blood and tissue in the uterus that helped the baby grow. Postpartum bleeding typically lasts for two to six weeks after delivery. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Postpartum bleeding is a natural occurrence after childbirth. It is caused by the detachment of the [[placenta]] from the wall of the uterus. When the placenta is delivered, the area where it was attached to the uterus begins to bleed. The uterus then contracts to stop the bleeding and to expel any remaining placental tissue. | Postpartum bleeding is a natural occurrence after childbirth. It is caused by the detachment of the [[placenta]] from the wall of the uterus. When the placenta is delivered, the area where it was attached to the uterus begins to bleed. The uterus then contracts to stop the bleeding and to expel any remaining placental tissue. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The main symptom of postpartum bleeding is heavy bleeding, which is usually bright red at first. The bleeding may contain small clots and may become lighter in color and flow over time. Other symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, and a rapid heart rate. | The main symptom of postpartum bleeding is heavy bleeding, which is usually bright red at first. The bleeding may contain small clots and may become lighter in color and flow over time. Other symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, and a rapid heart rate. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for postpartum bleeding depends on the cause and severity of the bleeding. In most cases, the bleeding can be managed with rest and hydration. However, in some cases, medication or surgery may be required to stop the bleeding and prevent complications. | Treatment for postpartum bleeding depends on the cause and severity of the bleeding. In most cases, the bleeding can be managed with rest and hydration. However, in some cases, medication or surgery may be required to stop the bleeding and prevent complications. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Prevention of postpartum bleeding includes proper prenatal care, a healthy diet, and regular exercise during pregnancy. It is also important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions during labor and delivery. | Prevention of postpartum bleeding includes proper prenatal care, a healthy diet, and regular exercise during pregnancy. It is also important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions during labor and delivery. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Postpartum period]] | * [[Postpartum period]] | ||
* [[Placenta]] | * [[Placenta]] | ||
* [[Childbirth]] | * [[Childbirth]] | ||
[[Category:Obstetrics]] | [[Category:Obstetrics]] | ||
[[Category:Gynecology]] | [[Category:Gynecology]] | ||
[[Category:Women's health]] | [[Category:Women's health]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 22:18, 9 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Postpartum bleeding | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Postpartum hemorrhage, PPH |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Heavy bleeding after childbirth |
| Complications | Hypovolemic shock, anemia, death |
| Onset | Within 24 hours of delivery (primary), up to 6 weeks postpartum (secondary) |
| Duration | Varies |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Uterine atony, retained placenta, trauma, coagulation disorders |
| Risks | Multiple pregnancy, prolonged labor, induced labor, episiotomy |
| Diagnosis | Clinical assessment, blood tests, ultrasound |
| Differential diagnosis | N/A |
| Prevention | Active management of the third stage of labor, uterotonics |
| Treatment | Uterotonics, IV fluids, blood transfusion, surgery |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Affects about 1-5% of deliveries |
| Deaths | Leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide |


Postpartum bleeding or lochia is the heavy bleeding that a woman experiences after giving birth (postpartum period). This bleeding is the body's way of getting rid of excess blood and tissue in the uterus that helped the baby grow. Postpartum bleeding typically lasts for two to six weeks after delivery.
Causes[edit]
Postpartum bleeding is a natural occurrence after childbirth. It is caused by the detachment of the placenta from the wall of the uterus. When the placenta is delivered, the area where it was attached to the uterus begins to bleed. The uterus then contracts to stop the bleeding and to expel any remaining placental tissue.
Symptoms[edit]
The main symptom of postpartum bleeding is heavy bleeding, which is usually bright red at first. The bleeding may contain small clots and may become lighter in color and flow over time. Other symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, and a rapid heart rate.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for postpartum bleeding depends on the cause and severity of the bleeding. In most cases, the bleeding can be managed with rest and hydration. However, in some cases, medication or surgery may be required to stop the bleeding and prevent complications.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of postpartum bleeding includes proper prenatal care, a healthy diet, and regular exercise during pregnancy. It is also important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions during labor and delivery.


