Postpartum Hemorrhage Research Paper

The Dangers of Postpartum Hemorrhage

Abstract
This paper discusses the risks associated with postpartum hemorrhaging. Postpartum hemorrhage is an issue that currently accounts for approximately 25-35% of maternal deaths worldwide (Altenstadt, Hukkelhoven, Roosmalen, & Bloemenkamp, 2013). Recent research has indicated that uterine atony is the leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Postpartum hemorrhage can result in severe maternal morbidity such as hysterectomy, hypovolemic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and Sheehan’s syndrome. Ongoing research is being conducted in hopes of preventing the occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage and providing more efficient ways to treat the issue that so many women
Primary hemorrhage is defined as blood loss that is greater than or equal to 500 milliliters due to a vaginal delivery or 1500 milliliters due to a cesarean section within the first 24 hours following a delivery. Secondary hemorrhaging is defined as excessive vaginal blood loss or heavy lochial discharge, occurring at least 24 hours after the end of the third stage of labor. Uterine atony is found to be the leading cause of PPH, complicating an estimated 5% of deliveries. Other complications that have been thought to result in PPH include vaginal hematoma, a cervical or vaginal tear, adherent placenta, uterine angle extension, and a retained placenta (Edhi, Aslam, Naqvi, Hashmi, 2013).
Approximately 20 million women suffer from an acute or chronic disability following immediate PPH each year, worldwide (Rath, 2011). Research studies have found that postpartum hemorrhage can result in severe maternal morbidity such as hysterectomy, hypovolemic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, Sheehan’s syndrome, hepatic dysfunction, acute respiratory distress syndrome, renal failure, and myocardial ischemia. Postpartum hemorrhage has been discovered to also result in long-term morbidity such as anemia, which can result in severe, life threatening
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