POSTPARTUM BLEEDING (LOCHIA)

It doesn’t matter what type of delivery you have, be it vagina delivery or cesarean section, you’ll have vaginal bleeding and discharge after delivery. This is because the uterus needs to shed away the extra blood and tissue that helps the baby grow while in the womb.

The bleeding will be heavy in the first few days after your baby is born and gradually reduces, but if the heavy flow continues, see your doctor.

Heavy bleeding after delivery is called POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE, it’s most likely to happen the first 24hours after delivery but can happen anytime within the first 12 weeks after delivery.

Postpartum hemorrhage can lead to a big drop in your blood pressure and once the BP is low, there’s is cause for alarm as it could lead to shock which can lead to death which is why it’s important to seek medical help right away.

CAUSES OF POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE

There are several reasons for postpartum hemorrhage, sometimes the doctor might need to perform surgery to stop the bleeding and other times he might have to prescribe you a medicine and keep you under supervision.

Most common causes of postpartum hemorrhage are:

• Being in labor for a very long time.
• The baby is bigger than 8 pounds 13 ounces.
• The baby you are having are multiple ( twins, triplets, and other multiples).
• High blood pressure.
• Obesity.
• Oxytocin (Pitocin)- a medicine used to induce labor.
• Tears in the Vagina or Cervix during delivery.
• General anesthesia used you have cesarean section.
• Cesarean section has higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage compared with vagina delivery.
• Uterine atony: If the uterus does not contract as it should which can lead to heavy bleeding after birth.

TREATMENT

The cause of bleeding with help the doctor to decides what best to do to stop the bleeding.

• Medicines/ injection might be given to help the uterus contract.
• Removal of remains of placenta in the uterus might help stop the bleeding.
• Perform Laparotomy- opening of the abdomen to find out the cause of bleeding and stop it.
• Blood transfusion to help replace lost blood.
• Have a radiologist do what’s called uterine artery embolization which limit blood flow to the uterus.
• Perform hysterectomy- removal of the uterus.

Though there will always be changes after delivery, but it’s best to talk to your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

Have a safe delivery Mamas, Cheers!!!!

SHARING IS CARING!!!