Postpartum Hemorrhage: What Every New Mom Should Know
Giving birth is a huge event, but the story doesn’t end when the baby arrives. About 1 in 100 women experience heavy bleeding after delivery, called postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). It can happen in the first few minutes or even a few days later, and knowing the basics can save lives.
PPH is defined as losing more than 500 ml of blood after a vaginal birth or 1000 ml after a C‑section. That sounds like a lot, but the body can hide the loss for a while. Symptoms may be subtle at first—feeling dizzy, pale skin, or a rapid heartbeat. If you notice any of these, call your care team right away.
Why It Happens
The uterus normally contracts after birth to squeeze blood vessels shut. When those muscles don’t tighten enough, blood keeps flowing. Common reasons include an over‑distended uterus (big baby or twins), retained placental tissue, uterine tears, or clotting problems. Certain risk factors raise the odds: high blood pressure, previous PPH, long labor, or using certain birth‑inducing drugs.
Even if you had a smooth delivery, keep the warning signs in mind. Some women develop delayed PPH from infections or blood‑clotting issues that show up a day or two later. Monitoring your bleeding and how you feel for the first week is crucial.
How to Spot and Stop It
When you’re in the hospital, nurses watch your lochia (post‑birth discharge) closely. A normal lochia starts bright red, then turns pink, brown, and finally yellowish over weeks. If the flow suddenly spikes back to bright red, or soaks a pad in under an hour, that’s a red flag.
First‑line treatment is usually medication that makes the uterus contract—uterotonics like oxytocin, misoprostol, or carboprost. If medications don’t work fast enough, doctors may need to massage the uterus, remove any leftover placenta pieces, or, in rare cases, perform a surgery called a hysterectomy.
What can you do at home? Keep a clean pad on hand and change it every hour or when it’s soaked. Track the amount and color. If you feel light‑headed, have a rapid pulse, or notice a sudden gush, call your obstetrician, midwife, or go to the emergency department immediately. Don’t wait to see if it stops on its own.
Prevention starts before you even give birth. Talk to your provider about your risk factors and whether you need extra monitoring or a planned medication schedule after delivery. Staying hydrated, getting enough iron, and following the birth‑team’s advice on uterine massage can also lower the chance of heavy bleeding.
Remember, PPH is treatable, but quick action matters. Familiarize yourself with the signs, keep a phone ready, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your health and the baby’s well‑being deserve swift attention—so stay alert, stay informed, and enjoy the early days of parenthood with confidence.
