What supplements to take for postpartum hemorrhage?

Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
Updated on June 27, 2025
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Normally, if postpartum hemorrhage occurs during childbirth, it is necessary to regulate from multiple aspects. Since postpartum hemorrhage can have a significant impact on the body, causing a noticeable decrease in the number of red blood cells, if the red blood cell count falls below 60g, intravenous blood transfusion is required for symptomatic treatment. At the same time as the transfusion, it is also necessary to consume some donkey-hide gelatin or foods high in iron, such as bird's nest or Sichuan pepper, to assist in the treatment by supplementing qi and blood, which will have a beneficial effect on postpartum recovery.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
1min 16sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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The main causes of postpartum hemorrhage

There are four main causes of postpartum hemorrhage: one is uterine atony, two is due to trauma in the soft birth canal, three is due to placental factors, and four is coagulation dysfunction. Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage clinically. Various factors can lead to uterine atony, such as maternal exhaustion during labor due to not eating, leading to physical decay, which can also cause uterine atony. Additionally, an excessively large uterus, such as from excessive amniotic fluid, twins, or triplets, can lead to poor uterine contraction and retraction rates after childbirth. As for injuries in the soft birth canal, they mainly occur due to insufficient protection of the perineum during childbirth or inappropriate use of vacuum assistance during the second stage of labor, causing trauma in the soft birth canal. Placental factors include placental adhesion, placenta accreta, partial placental abruption, and retained placenta, all of which can lead to postpartum bleeding due to placental issues.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Postpartum Hemorrhage Emergency Response Process

Firstly, it is necessary to administer IV fluids to the patient and establish two venous accesses to urgently replenish blood volume. Then, it is important to manage breathing to ensure the patient's airway is clear, and provide oxygen if necessary. Patient's vital signs should also be checked for any abnormalities. Additionally, treatment should be given based on the cause of bleeding. If the bleeding is due to poor uterine contraction, it is crucial to promptly enhance uterine contractions to quickly stop the bleeding. At this time, uterotonic agents can be used, or manual uterine massage can be employed to stem the bleeding. If the bleeding is caused by a surgical incision, then the incision needs to be sutured properly.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Causes of Late Postpartum Hemorrhage

Late postpartum hemorrhage is most commonly caused by retained placenta and membranes. About ten days after childbirth, the patient may experience significant bleeding due to the degeneration and necrosis of the retained placental and membrane tissues within the uterine cavity. When these necrotic tissues are shed, it can cause the blood vessels to open and lead to bleeding. Additionally, poor healing of the placental site on the uterus can also cause bleeding, as can infections, with endometritis being relatively common. Inflammation can lead to poor healing of the placental attachment site or poor uterine contraction, resulting in significant uterine bleeding.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can you eat brown sugar after postpartum hemorrhage?

After giving birth, if there is significant bleeding, it is important to promptly determine the cause and deal with it accordingly. Only addressing the specific cause will be effective. Once the bleeding has stopped, one can consider whether the mother can consume brown sugar based on her condition post-delivery. If the birth was vaginal, drinking brown sugar water is permissible as it can replenish energy, aid in recovery, and help with blood formation. However, if the birth was by cesarean section, due to the anesthesia used which affects gastrointestinal motility, particularly in the initial days following the surgery when normal gas expulsion has not resumed, consuming brown sugar is not advisable.