maternal⚑ High burden in India

Postpartum haemorrhage

Postpartum bleeding or postpartum (PPH) is significant blood loss following childbirth. It is the most common cause of maternal death worldwide, disproportionately affecting developing countries. Definitions and criteria for are highly variable. PPH is defined by the World Health Organization as "blood loss of 500 ml or more within 24 hours after birth", though signs of shock have also been used as a definition. Some bleeding after childbirth is normal and is called lochia. It is difficult to distinguish lochia from delayed PPH.

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Symptoms — what it feels like

·Significant blood loss after childbirth, increased heart rate, feeling faint upon standing, increased breath rate

Causes — why it happens

·Poor contraction of the , not all the placenta removed, tear of the uterus, poor blood clotting

Prevention

·, misoprostol

Treatment

· fluids, non-pneumatic anti-shock garment, blood transfusions, ergotamine, tranexamic acid

Outlook

·3% risk of death (developing world)

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Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.