A 28 yo otherwise well patient has presented to the emergency department with an imminent delivery. The baby is delivered and there is some vaginal bleeding post delivery, however it doesn’t appear significant. The patient is complaining that she is feeling unwell. Her heart rate has increased to 142 bpm. Is this a potential haemorrhage to be concerned about?
Postpartum haemorrhage(PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality. It’s overall rate is 5 – 15% but most of these cases are minor. It is considered a primary haemorrhage if it occurs within 24hours of delivery and secondary when it occurs after this and up to six weeks post partum. The management of post abortion haemorrhage is similar to PPH.