primary postpartum haemorrhage

Last reviewed 09/2022

This is PPH occurring around the time of childbirth, and is arbitrarily set at losses of more than 500mls within 24 hrs of delivery. However, blood loss during childbirth is often underestimated and most women lose more than 500 mls.

PPH is said to occur in 2 - 8% of deliveries.

An oxytocic administered with delivery of the anterior shoulder, followed by controlled cord traction to deliver the placenta, will reduce the incidence of PPH.