Does postpartum hemorrhage require a blood transfusion?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 23, 2024
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The definition of postpartum hemorrhage is bleeding greater than 500 milliliters approximately 24 hours after vaginal delivery. Whether blood transfusion is necessary for postpartum hemorrhage mainly depends on the specific amount of bleeding. For average women, if the hemoglobin level is normal before delivery and the bleeding is between 500-1000 milliliters, the body can compensate for the anemia through normal adjustments, and generally, a blood transfusion is not required. However, if the bleeding exceeds 1000 milliliters, this situation is considered massive hemorrhage and must be treated with a blood transfusion, otherwise it may lead to hemorrhagic shock or DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation).

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 34sec home-news-image

Postpartum Hemorrhage Etiology

The causes of postpartum hemorrhage can be broadly summarized into four main factors: 1) Inadequate uterine contraction. 2) Lacerations in the soft birth canal. 3) Placental factors. 4) Coagulation dysfunction. The most common cause in clinical settings is inadequate uterine contraction. The manifestation of inadequate uterine contraction primarily appears as the placenta and membranes being expelled intact postpartum, no injuries in the soft birth canal, and an unclear uterine contour upon palpation. The uterus becomes firm when massaged and softens when the massage stops. This condition is indicative of postpartum hemorrhage caused by inadequate uterine contraction. Postpartum hemorrhage due to lacerations in the soft birth canal typically presents as immediate bleeding following the delivery of the baby. The blood is bright red and may contain clots, which mostly suggests lacerations in the soft birth canal. If significant bleeding occurs about five to ten minutes after the delivery of the placenta and baby, this is generally considered to be related to placental factors. If the bleeding is unclotted and continuous, this severe hemorrhage might be due to a coagulation dysfunction.

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Postpartum hemorrhage causes

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) has four primary causes: 1. Lacerations from difficult labor; 2. Placental factors; 3. Uterine atony; 4. Coagulopathy. Immediately after childbirth, if there is bright red bleeding that includes blood clots, this is considered to be caused by soft birth canal lacerations. Approximately 10 to 15 minutes after delivery of the fetus, if significant bleeding occurs, placental factors should be considered. After the placenta is delivered, if the placenta and membranes are found to be intact and there is still vaginal bleeding, or if there is intermittent heavy vaginal bleeding, and the uterus feels soft and poorly defined upon light palpation, uterine atony should be considered as a likely cause of the heavy bleeding. Lastly, coagulopathy, which leads to continuous, dark red bleeding without clots, can also cause severe postpartum hemorrhage.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Measures for postpartum hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage refers to a situation where there is blood loss exceeding 500 milliliters within 24 hours after the birth of a child. Initially, massaging the uterus should be performed, as most of this bleeding is due to poor uterine contraction, and the doctor can press on the uterus from above the patient's lower abdomen. Additionally, high doses of uterotonic drugs can be used to induce uterine contraction. If these measures do not reduce bleeding, packing the uterine cavity with gauze can be employed to stop the bleeding from the uterus. Furthermore, if the bleeding is very severe, embolization of the uterine artery or the internal iliac artery can be done to halt the uterine bleeding.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Can postpartum hemorrhage be treated?

Postpartum hemorrhage refers to bleeding exceeding 800 or 1000 milliliters within a short period after childbirth. It is currently the leading cause of maternal mortality in clinical practice. With the improvement of clinical treatment levels and the enhancement of diagnostic capabilities for postpartum hemorrhage, the vast majority of such cases can be well-managed. The keys to addressing postpartum hemorrhage effectively are early diagnosis and early intervention, which can lead to favorable outcomes. The main causes of postpartum hemorrhage include uterine atony, retained placenta and membranes, injuries to the soft birth canal, and coagulation disorders. When significant postpartum bleeding occurs, it is crucial to carefully investigate these four aspects to identify the cause and intervene accordingly, often leading to successful treatment outcomes.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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The difference between postpartum hemorrhage and menstruation

The difference between postpartum hemorrhage and menstruation varies whether it is a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section. The timing of postpartum bleeding varies, and it also relates to postpartum lochia. If the bleeding occurs within 24 hours, it is called severe postpartum hemorrhage; most frequently, we encounter bleeding after 24 hours. Typically, for vaginal deliveries, bleeding occurs within seven days. In cesarean sections, due to the uterine incision, healing is needed, and the duration of bleeding varies by individual and health, commonly lasting from one to two months post-operation. Postpartum bleeding is due to incomplete healing of the uterine lining, which is different from menstrual bleeding. Menstrual bleeding is usually heavier in the initial days and the blood is dark red with a cyclic pattern. In contrast, postpartum bleeding does not have a cyclic nature; it usually consists of fresh red or dark blood, whereas menstrual bleeding typically involves dark blood.