What is PPH in pregnancy?
Penny cited the following
6 peer-reviewed research articles
2 professionally-backed sources
3 articles from healthcare institutions
Overview
PPH stands for postpartum hemorrhage, which is a serious complication involving excessive bleeding after childbirth. It is one of the leading causes of maternal illness and death worldwide, but with prompt recognition and treatment, most people recover well.
What Is PPH?
Definition
-
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is defined as blood loss greater than 500 milliliters (mL) after a vaginal birth or more than 1,000 mL after a cesarean birth. However, the diagnosis can also be based on symptoms of blood loss, such as low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, or signs of shock, since blood loss can sometimes be underestimated or hidden by normal pregnancy changes.
1ArticleIntroduction - Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage - NCBI BookshelfPostpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is commonly defined as blood loss exceeding 500 milliliters (mL) following vaginal birth and 1000 mL following cesarean.1 Definitions vary, however, and diagnosis of PPH is subjective and often based on inaccurate estimates of blood loss.1-4 Moreover, average blood ...→
National Center for Biotechnology Information
2ArticlePostpartum Hemorrhage: Overview, Etiology, DiagnosisAcquired coagulopathies during ... fluid embolism, or sepsis. ... ACOG defines primary PPH as a cumulative blood loss of at least 1 liter or any bleeding with signs of hypovolemia within 24 hours after delivery, although worldwide definitions may vary....→Medscape
3ArticlePostpartum Hemorrhage | Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaPostpartum hemorrhage is excessive bleeding after the birth of a baby. Most postpartum hemorrhage occurs right after delivery, but it can occur later as well.→Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
4ArticleManagement of Postpartum Haemorrhage - PMCDespite number of contributing ... of PPH, pregnancy-induced hypertension, chorioamnionitis, episiotomy, pre-labour caesarean section, macrosomia, and operative vaginal delivery), PPH can develop unpredictably without any risk factor.2 Therefore, any maternal unit should be prepared to managePPH with ...→PubMed Central
- PPH is classified as:
- Primary (early) PPH: Occurs within 24 hours after delivery.
-
Secondary (late) PPH: Occurs from 24 hours up to 12 weeks postpartum.
1ArticleIntroduction - Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage - NCBI BookshelfPostpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is commonly defined as blood loss exceeding 500 milliliters (mL) following vaginal birth and 1000 mL following cesarean.1 Definitions vary, however, and diagnosis of PPH is subjective and often based on inaccurate estimates of blood loss.1-4 Moreover, average blood ...→2ArticlePostpartum Hemorrhage: Overview, Etiology, DiagnosisAcquired coagulopathies during ... fluid embolism, or sepsis. ... ACOG defines primary PPH as a cumulative blood loss of at least 1 liter or any bleeding with signs of hypovolemia within 24 hours after delivery, although worldwide definitions may vary....→4ArticleManagement of Postpartum Haemorrhage - PMCDespite number of contributing ... of PPH, pregnancy-induced hypertension, chorioamnionitis, episiotomy, pre-labour caesarean section, macrosomia, and operative vaginal delivery), PPH can develop unpredictably without any risk factor.2 Therefore, any maternal unit should be prepared to managePPH with ...→
Causes and Risk Factors
Main Causes (The "Four T's")
- Tone: Uterine atony (the uterus does not contract well), which is the most common cause.
- Trauma: Injury to the birth canal, such as tears or lacerations.
- Tissue: Retained placenta or blood clots.
-
Thrombin: Problems with blood clotting (coagulation disorders).
2ArticlePostpartum Hemorrhage: Overview, Etiology, DiagnosisAcquired coagulopathies during ... fluid embolism, or sepsis. ... ACOG defines primary PPH as a cumulative blood loss of at least 1 liter or any bleeding with signs of hypovolemia within 24 hours after delivery, although worldwide definitions may vary....→4ArticleManagement of Postpartum Haemorrhage - PMCDespite number of contributing ... of PPH, pregnancy-induced hypertension, chorioamnionitis, episiotomy, pre-labour caesarean section, macrosomia, and operative vaginal delivery), PPH can develop unpredictably without any risk factor.2 Therefore, any maternal unit should be prepared to managePPH with ...→5ArticlePostpartum Hemorrhage - StatPearls - NCBI BookshelfPostpartum hemorrhage (PPH) poses a significant risk to maternal health and is characterized by excessive blood loss after delivery. While uterine contractions and the coagulation cascade primarily regulate blood loss, PPH can lead to severe complications if untreated.→6ArticleEpidemiology and definition of PPH worldwide - ScienceDirectThe term “postpartum hemorrhage” ... of pregnancy and afterwards, therefore it is more precise to use the term “peripartum hemorrhage”. Postpartum/peripartum hemorrhage (PPH) is an obstetric emergency complicating 1–10% of all deliveries and is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, the incidence of PPH differs widely according to the definition and criteria ...→
sciencedirect.com
Risk Factors
- Some people have identifiable risk factors, such as:
- Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Prolonged or rapid labor
- Large baby (macrosomia)
- Placenta previa or abruption (placenta issues)
- Previous history of PPH
- High blood pressure or preeclampsia
- Use of certain medications or assisted reproductive technologies
- Cesarean or operative vaginal delivery (forceps/vacuum)
- Blood clotting disorders
-
However, up to 40% of PPH cases occur in people with no known risk factors.
4ArticleManagement of Postpartum Haemorrhage - PMCDespite number of contributing ... of PPH, pregnancy-induced hypertension, chorioamnionitis, episiotomy, pre-labour caesarean section, macrosomia, and operative vaginal delivery), PPH can develop unpredictably without any risk factor.2 Therefore, any maternal unit should be prepared to managePPH with ...→7ArticlePostpartum Hemorrhage (PPH): Causes, Risks & TreatmentBleeding excessively after giving birth can be scary and traumatic. You probably didn’t expect your birth experience to go this way. It’s important to share any concerns about excessive bleeding after delivery with your pregnancy care provider so they can identify signs of PPH as soon as ...→
Cleveland Clinic
8ArticlePostpartum Hemorrhage - Stanford Medicine Children's HealthPostpartum hemorrhage is more bleeding than normal after the birth of a baby. About 1 in 100 to 5 in 100 women have postpartum hemorrhage. It is more likely with a cesarean birth. It most often happens after the placenta is delivered, but it can also happen later.→stanfordchildrens.org
9ArticleRisk factors for severe postpartum hemorrhage: a case-control study | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Full TextSeveral risk factors for PPH are known, such as multiple pregnancy, operative delivery and chorionamnionitis, however PPH may occur among patients with no known risk factors [13, 14]. Our ability to reduce the risk of PPH depends on ongoing investigations of previously unaccounted for causes and ...→BioMed Central
10ArticleIncidence and risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage among transvaginal deliveries at a tertiary perinatal medical facility in Japan - PMCRisk factors include antepartum ... magnitude and risk factors for PPH. Common causes include uterine atony, trauma including genital tract injuries, placental retentions and failure of the blood coagulation system....→
Why Is PPH Important?
-
Prevalence: PPH affects about 1–10% of all deliveries, with severe cases in about 1–2% of births.
4ArticleManagement of Postpartum Haemorrhage - PMCDespite number of contributing ... of PPH, pregnancy-induced hypertension, chorioamnionitis, episiotomy, pre-labour caesarean section, macrosomia, and operative vaginal delivery), PPH can develop unpredictably without any risk factor.2 Therefore, any maternal unit should be prepared to managePPH with ...→6ArticleEpidemiology and definition of PPH worldwide - ScienceDirectThe term “postpartum hemorrhage” ... of pregnancy and afterwards, therefore it is more precise to use the term “peripartum hemorrhage”. Postpartum/peripartum hemorrhage (PPH) is an obstetric emergency complicating 1–10% of all deliveries and is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, the incidence of PPH differs widely according to the definition and criteria ...→
-
Impact: It is a leading cause of maternal death globally, responsible for about a quarter of all maternal deaths. Most deaths are considered preventable with timely recognition and treatment.
1ArticleIntroduction - Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage - NCBI BookshelfPostpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is commonly defined as blood loss exceeding 500 milliliters (mL) following vaginal birth and 1000 mL following cesarean.1 Definitions vary, however, and diagnosis of PPH is subjective and often based on inaccurate estimates of blood loss.1-4 Moreover, average blood ...→6ArticleEpidemiology and definition of PPH worldwide - ScienceDirectThe term “postpartum hemorrhage” ... of pregnancy and afterwards, therefore it is more precise to use the term “peripartum hemorrhage”. Postpartum/peripartum hemorrhage (PPH) is an obstetric emergency complicating 1–10% of all deliveries and is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, the incidence of PPH differs widely according to the definition and criteria ...→11ArticleSexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH)Severe bleeding after childbirth - postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) - is the leading cause of maternal mortality world-wide.→
who.int
-
Complications: If not managed quickly, PPH can lead to shock, organ failure, need for blood transfusion, surgery (including hysterectomy), and longer hospital stays.
1ArticleIntroduction - Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage - NCBI BookshelfPostpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is commonly defined as blood loss exceeding 500 milliliters (mL) following vaginal birth and 1000 mL following cesarean.1 Definitions vary, however, and diagnosis of PPH is subjective and often based on inaccurate estimates of blood loss.1-4 Moreover, average blood ...→4ArticleManagement of Postpartum Haemorrhage - PMCDespite number of contributing ... of PPH, pregnancy-induced hypertension, chorioamnionitis, episiotomy, pre-labour caesarean section, macrosomia, and operative vaginal delivery), PPH can develop unpredictably without any risk factor.2 Therefore, any maternal unit should be prepared to managePPH with ...→
Summary
PPH is excessive bleeding after childbirth and is a major cause of maternal health complications. It can happen to anyone after delivery, even without risk factors. The most common cause is the uterus not contracting well after birth, but other causes include trauma, retained tissue, and clotting problems. Prompt medical attention and treatment are critical for a good outcome.
1
Article
Introduction - Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage - NCBI Bookshelf
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is commonly defined as blood loss exceeding 500 milliliters (mL) following vaginal birth and 1000 mL following cesarean.1 Definitions vary, however, and diagnosis of PPH is subjective and often based on inaccurate estimates of blood loss.1-4 Moreover, average blood ...
2
Article
Postpartum Hemorrhage: Overview, Etiology, Diagnosis
Acquired coagulopathies during ... fluid embolism, or sepsis. ... ACOG defines primary PPH as a cumulative blood loss of at least 1 liter or any bleeding with signs of hypovolemia within 24 hours after delivery, although worldwide definitions may vary....
4
Article
Management of Postpartum Haemorrhage - PMC
Despite number of contributing ... of PPH, pregnancy-induced hypertension, chorioamnionitis, episiotomy, pre-labour caesarean section, macrosomia, and operative vaginal delivery), PPH can develop unpredictably without any risk factor.2 Therefore, any maternal unit should be prepared to managePPH with ...
5
Article
Postpartum Hemorrhage - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) poses a significant risk to maternal health and is characterized by excessive blood loss after delivery. While uterine contractions and the coagulation cascade primarily regulate blood loss, PPH can lead to severe complications if untreated.
6
Article
Epidemiology and definition of PPH worldwide - ScienceDirect
The term “postpartum hemorrhage” ... of pregnancy and afterwards, therefore it is more precise to use the term “peripartum hemorrhage”. Postpartum/peripartum hemorrhage (PPH) is an obstetric emergency complicating 1–10% of all deliveries and is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, the incidence of PPH differs widely according to the definition and criteria ...
7
Article
Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH): Causes, Risks & Treatment
Bleeding excessively after giving birth can be scary and traumatic. You probably didn’t expect your birth experience to go this way. It’s important to share any concerns about excessive bleeding after delivery with your pregnancy care provider so they can identify signs of PPH as soon as ...
If you have more questions about PPH, its risk factors, or what to expect if it occurs, I can provide more detailed information.