Postpartum Hemorrhage

Improving the prevention, detection, and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) – defined as blood loss of 500 ml or more within 24 hours following vaginal birth, or 1000 ml following a Cesarean section (CS) – can save lives. Those very thresholds are being tested to ensure they will result in the best health outcomes for women. Even when women survive PPH, it can leave lasting effects including severe anemia, kidney failure, infertility, and interfering with breastfeeding. We also know PPH can affect maternal mental health. 

In recent years, the Global Roadmap to Combat PPH, coupled with new evidence, has resulted in a renewed focus on PPH. The latest evidence points to promising approaches, including early detection of PPH for all women using a blood loss measuring device followed by a bundled approach to treatment that groups treatment interventions together to save time. An improved understanding of the factors contributing to PPH outcomes, investing more in data collection to track key indicators, and evaluating near misses, are also critical to improving the quality of care for all women so that they and their newborns have the best chances of surviving birth, and thriving in the years that follow.