Post-partum haemorrhage

Abstract

As we have seen in Chapter 6, the control of bleeding in the third stage of labour depends upon prompt separation and expulsion of the placenta, followed by firm uterine contraction to control the maternal blood sinuses of the placental site. This mechanism may fail for a variety of reasons, and lead to post-partum haemorrhage which may often be so severe as to threaten the life of the mother. By definition it is described as a blood loss of 500ml or more, or such lesser amount as seriously to endanger the well-being of a woman who for example was previously anaemic. This complication has cost the lives of many thousands of women, although today with improved management and the better facilities provided by increased hospital confinement and the prevention or treatment of pregnancy anaemia, the risk is greatly reduced.