April 4, 2008

Symptoms & Treatment For Postpartum Hemorrhage

Posted in Category : Women's Health

Postpartum hemorrhage is an excessive bleeding disorder following the birth of a baby.It is similar to cesarean birth of a baby. Hemorrhage can occur before or after the placenta is removed The usual amount of blood loss after the birth of a single baby in vaginal delivery is about 500 ml and the min amount of blood loss in a cesarean delivery is approximately 1000 ml due to heavy blood postpartum hemorrhage that occurs right after the delivery but there is some possibility of occurring later.

Postpartum hemorrhage occurs because the muscles of the uterus remain contracted to expel the placenta. After all the placenta gets delivered, the uterine muscles remain tightened and this helps to constrict the bleeding in the blood vessels in the area where the placenta was located. If the uterine does not contract strongly enough then blood vessel bleed freely and hemorrhage occurs and this is most common reason that can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. It is approximately estimated that 600 ml of blood flows in each minute of a full term pregnancy. Some postpartum hemorrhage are very much dangerous as though it can be a cause of placenta abruption, Placenta previa, over distended, multiple pregnancy, pregnancy induced hypertension, having previous birth, prolonged labor, infection, obesity placenta increta and placenta percreta although, these uncommon event uterine rupture can be danger to the mothers life. It may also increase the risk of uterine rupture which can also include surgery to remove fibroid tumors and prior cesarean scar. The postpartum hemorrhage can be life threatening for mother if there is a rapid blood loss which can drop in blood pressure and may lead to death and shock if not properly treated.

The common symptom of postpartum hemorrhage is increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, uncontrolled bleeding, low rate of red blood cell in body, swelling and pain in tissues in the perineal and vaginal area

The most important thing to do while treating postpartum hemorrhage is to stop the bleeding by using proper medication or by manual massage of the uterus