Intermediate Technical IVT

postpartum hemorrhage

Also written as: PPH — postpartum hemorrhage

Excessive bleeding after childbirth, defined as blood loss exceeding 500mL vaginal delivery or 1000mL cesarean delivery.

Full Definition

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is obstetric bleeding exceeding normal physiologic limits following delivery, categorized as primary (within 24 hours) or secondary (24 hours to 6 weeks postpartum). Common causes include uterine atony, retained placental tissue, genital tract lacerations, and coagulopathy. Emergency management follows a systematic approach including uterine massage, uterotonics (oxytocin, methylergonovine), examination for lacerations, and surgical interventions when conservative measures fail. Massive PPH may require emergency hysterectomy, interventional radiology procedures, or damage control techniques with multidisciplinary team involvement.

Usage

Usage note: Document estimated blood loss and specific interventions attempted.

In Context

"Postpartum hemorrhage was managed with methylergonovine and uterine massage before surgical intervention." — Obstetric emergency documentation
"The patient developed severe postpartum hemorrhage requiring emergency hysterectomy for hemorrhage control." — Operative report

Also known as

PPH obstetric hemorrhage

Contrasted with

normal postpartum bleeding physiologic blood loss

Don't confuse with

antepartum hemorrhage menorrhagia

pneumoperitoneum ← Back to glossary primary survey