Page 38 - OB Risks - Delivering the Goods (Part Two)

SVMIC Obstetrics Risks: Delivering the Goods

Postpartum Hemorrhage

Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum
hemorrhage, but postpartum hemorrhage may also be caused

by:

• Tears in the cervix or tissues of the vagina

• Tears in a blood vessel in the uterus

• A hematoma in the vulva or vagina

• Blood clotting disorders

• Placenta problems

Postpartum hemorrhage is characterized as a total blood loss

greater than or equal to 1,000 mL, or blood loss accompanied

by signs and symptoms of hypovolemia within 24 hours after
delivery of the fetus or intrapartum loss.
61

Postpartum hemorrhage is not uncommon and may occur
in patients who do not present the normal risk factors for

hemorrhage. Risk factors for postpartum hemorrhaging include,
but are not limited to:

• Placental abruption

• Placenta previa

• Overdistended uterus

• Pregnancy with multiples

• High blood pressure disorders of pregnancy

• Having many previous births

61 https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2017/10/
postpartum-hemorrhage

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