Word parts
What it means
A leading cause of death of birthing people worldwide. Most cases happen in the first hours after birth. The causes are remembered as the four Ts: tone (the uterus does not contract well, the most common cause), trauma (tears), tissue (pieces of placenta left inside) and thrombin (clotting problems). Late postpartum hemorrhage can happen up to 12 weeks after birth.
For the nurse
Check the fundus and bleeding often after birth and weigh pads to measure blood loss. For a soft uterus, massage the fundus and give uterotonic drugs such as oxytocinok-sih-TOH-sinA hormone that makes the uterus contract and releases breast milk; also given by IV to start or strengthen labor and control bleeding after birth.Full entry as ordered. Watch for a fast pulse and falling blood pressure, and call for help early.
Remember it
The four Ts: tone, trauma, tissue, thrombin.
At a glance
| Spanish | hemorragia posparto |
|---|---|
| Also written | PPH, postpartum haemorrhage |
Related terms
hemorrhage
A large loss of blood from a blood vessel, inside the body or out of it.
postpartum
The time after giving birth, usually the first six weeks, while the body returns to its non-pregnant state.
uterus
The hollow, muscular organ in the female pelvis where a fetus grows during pregnancy; the womb.
placenta
The organ that grows in the uterus during pregnancy and passes oxygen and food from the parent's blood to the fetus.
oxytocin
A hormone that makes the uterus contract and releases breast milk; also given by IV to start or strengthen labor and control bleeding after birth.