There are
two types of postpartum haemorrhages. These according to Bias, et al. (2010) are:
two types of postpartum haemorrhages. These according to Bias, et al. (2010) are:
·
Primary postpartum
haemorrhage
Primary postpartum
haemorrhage
·
Secondary postpartum
haemorrhage
Secondary postpartum
haemorrhage
Primary postpartum haemorrhage
A primary postpartum haemorrhage is defined blood
loss of over 600 ml within the first 24 hours after the baby is born (or if the
woman is quite physically affected after a ‘normal’ blood loss). This is the
most common type of postpartum haemorrhage, complicating up to 6% of all
births.
loss of over 600 ml within the first 24 hours after the baby is born (or if the
woman is quite physically affected after a ‘normal’ blood loss). This is the
most common type of postpartum haemorrhage, complicating up to 6% of all
births.
The amount of blood lost can be all at once (which
is the most common, usually within the first hour after the baby is born) or
accumulate over a period of time. For example a woman may lose 300 ml with the
birth, then an hour later a further 200 ml, then a few hours later 300 ml,
meaning that she is now classified as having had a primary postpartum
haemorrhage (Bias, et al., 2010).
is the most common, usually within the first hour after the baby is born) or
accumulate over a period of time. For example a woman may lose 300 ml with the
birth, then an hour later a further 200 ml, then a few hours later 300 ml,
meaning that she is now classified as having had a primary postpartum
haemorrhage (Bias, et al., 2010).
Secondary postpartum haemorrhage
A secondary postpartum haemorrhage is when more
than 600ml of blood is lost after 24 hours but up to 6 weeks after the birth of
the baby. This type of haemorrhage is much less common, occurring in less than
1% of all births.
than 600ml of blood is lost after 24 hours but up to 6 weeks after the birth of
the baby. This type of haemorrhage is much less common, occurring in less than
1% of all births.
The amount of blood lost in a secondary haemorrhage
is not generally added to the amount lost within the first 24 hours after the
birth. The reasons for a secondary postpartum haemorrhage are normally related
to either an infection of the uterus or part of the placenta being retained and
causing an infection (Bias, et al., 2010).
is not generally added to the amount lost within the first 24 hours after the
birth. The reasons for a secondary postpartum haemorrhage are normally related
to either an infection of the uterus or part of the placenta being retained and
causing an infection (Bias, et al., 2010).
Reference
Bias, J. M., Eskes, M.,
Bonsel, G.J. & Bleker, O. P. (2010). Postpartum haemorrhage in nulliparous women:
incidence and risk factors in low andhigh risk women. A Dutch population-based cohort
study on standard (>or =500ml) and severe (> or = 1000ml) postpartum haemorrhage.
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 115:166-72.
Bonsel, G.J. & Bleker, O. P. (2010). Postpartum haemorrhage in nulliparous women:
incidence and risk factors in low andhigh risk women. A Dutch population-based cohort
study on standard (>or =500ml) and severe (> or = 1000ml) postpartum haemorrhage.
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 115:166-72.
