Postpartum Hemorrhage Treatment

Specialized Treatment by Dr  Sarita Malik (Obs and Gyne) in  Tricity

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What is postpartum hemorrhage?

  • Postpartum hemorrhage is when a woman bleeds excessively after giving birth. It is an emergency that can be life-threatening for both mother and baby.

    Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the loss of more than 500 milliliters of blood within 24 hours following delivery.

    Postpartum hemorrhage occurs when the uterus fails to contract normally to control heavy bleeding after childbirth. As a result, this can lead to a significant loss of blood volume which can result in organ failure and death if left untreated. If any signs and symptoms are detected, it is imperative that medical attention be sought without delay:

    • Considerable vaginal bleeding after delivery
    • Heavy vaginal bleeding
    • Severe abdominal pain
    • Rapid heart rate
    • Dizziness or fainting
    • Fever

    The postpartum hemorrhage is fatal for one out of five pregnancies in the world and it is important for any woman who has delivered a baby to know about it, as well as how to prevent it from happening again at their next pregnancy.

    What causes postpartum hemorrhage?

    Postpartum hemorrhage, or excessive bleeding after childbirth, can be caused by many factors. It could be related to the placenta or uterus. Sometimes the placental tissues calcify and the uterus doesn’t contract in order to expel it properly. Postpartum hemorrhage can also be due to an infection, such as endometritis, that leads to an increased blood flow from the uterus into other parts of the body. There are many different causes of postpartum hemorrhage and unfortunately, not all are treatable.

    The following causes may contribute:

    • The placenta has not been expelled properly
    • Infection
    • Hormone imbalance
    • Uterine inversion
    • Laceration of the uterus or cervix
    • Prolonged heavy vaginal bleeding
    • Uterine atony

What are the reasons behind postpartum hemorrhage?

Some of the reasons why this may happen are:

  • The uterus contracts too much after delivery.
  • Infection during pregnancy or the postpartum period can cause heavy bleeding.
  • Lack of or failure to recognize vaginal blood loss for a prolonged period before childbirth, which is not uncommon in developing countries and parts of Africa.
  • A tear in the uterine wall (uterine atony) from a difficult birth, whether from an assisted vaginal delivery or caesarean section.

Who is at risk for postpartum hemorrhage?

Postpartum hemorrhage can affect anyone who gives birth vaginally, but there are some risk factors that make you more likely to experience this condition. Conditions that may increase the risk include:

  • Prior uterine surgery
  • Placenta abruption
  • Multiple births (twins, triplets)
  • Epidural anesthesia
  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure disorders of pregnancy
  • Having many previous births



How is postpartum hemorrhage diagnosed?

Postpartum hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal mortality. It is estimated that one out of every six pregnant woman experiences postpartum hemorrhage, and the condition can lead to death in 1-2% of pregnant women.

Postpartum hemorrhage is diagnosed through visual and physical examinations, lab tests, and a thorough review of your medical history.

The following methods can also be used to diagnose PPH:

  • We monitor your pulse rate and blood pressure constantly to detect problems.
  • Take Measurement of red blood cells (hematocrit) and clotting factors in the blood.
  • A detailed ultrasound image of the uterus and other organs is obtained using ultrasound.

How we treat postpartum hemorrhage in Gurgaon?

Postpartum hemorrhage is a rare but serious complication during the last stage of childbirth. Fortunately, doctors have different treatment options that depend on the severity of the condition when a postpartum hemorrhage occurs.

Severity is what determines the best course of treatment for postpartum hemorrhage. The more severe it is, the more invasive and destructive measures doctors will take to stop it.

  • Laparotomy : Doctors might need to perform a laparotomy to suture up any bleeding vessels in the abdomen.
  • Hysterectomy : A hysterectomy may also be needed to control heavy bleeding with the removal of uterus and cervix in order to save a woman’s life.
  • In some cases, an external fixator device may be needed to control bleeding from pelvic fractures or other injuries in nearby organs such as kidneys or bladder.

There are other several treatments used, including:

  • Your uterus muscles will contract with uterine massage.
  • Contractions are stimulated by medication.
  • Removing retained placental tissue from the uterus.

How can I prevent hemorrhaging during childbirth?

When a woman is going into labor, the uterus contracts and pushes the baby through the birth canal. Hemorrhaging occurs when some of the membrane or placenta (afterbirth) is left inside the woman after giving birth.

Birth Control Methods Section

Birth Control Methods

Explore different contraceptive options. Always consult your gynecologist to choose the method best suited to your health, lifestyle, and future pregnancy plans.

Female Condoms

  • Worn inside the vagina or anus
  • Latex-free and tear-resistant
  • Wider opening covers pelvic area

Dental Dams

  • Used for oral sex to reduce STI transmission

Diaphragms

  • Latex barrier placed inside vagina
  • Used with spermicide
  • Up to 94% effective with perfect use

Cervical Cap

  • Fits over cervix
  • Used with spermicide
  • Can remain up to 48 hours

Spermicides

  • Available as gel, foam, film and suppositories
  • Best used with condoms

Birth Control Pills

  • Over 99% effective with correct use
  • Regulates periods
  • Does not prevent STDs
  • May cause nausea, spotting or breast tenderness

Vaginal Ring

  • Inserted once a month
  • 95–99% effective
  • No daily pill required

Depo-Provera

  • Injection every 3 months
  • Highly effective
  • May cause irregular bleeding

Implants

  • Small rod placed under arm
  • 99.95% effective
  • Long-term contraception

Emergency Contraception

  • Can reduce pregnancy risk if taken within 72 hours

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

  • T-shaped device in uterus
  • More than 97% effective
  • Long-term protection

Sterilization

  • Female tubal ligation
  • Male vasectomy
  • Permanent contraception

Withdrawal Method

  • Not reliable when used alone
  • Around 80% effective

Natural Family Planning

  • Tracks fertile days
  • Requires regular monitoring

Abstinence

  • Only 100% effective method to prevent pregnancy

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Who is the best gynecologist in Mohali?
Dr. Sarita Malik at Gyne Clinique, Sector 80 Mohali, is a trusted consultant gynaecologist rated 4.9★ by 550+ patients, with expertise in pregnancy, high-risk pregnancy and infertility.
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