Every woman naturally loses blood during childbirth. When the placenta is removed from the uterus there is a wound that will bleed. This is perfectly normal and not something to worry about. Women who have c-sections will usually bleed a little more than those who have vaginal deliveries. Because your body has made up to 50 percent more blood during your pregnancy, this blood loss is not in the least bit dangerous.
As your uterus contracts during childbirth, the blood vessels detached from the uterus will be closed off and you may also find that your doctor gives you synthetic oxytocin, to stimulate further contractions and speed up the closing off process.
Sometimes, however, there is too much bleeding, and, usually within 24 hours of birth, this is known as Postpartum Haemorrhage, or PPH.
Postpartum haemorrhage can be the result of many different causes. Deep tearing, episiotomies and damage to the perineum are common physical causes, while clotting disorders, a ruptured uterus or pre eclampsia are all less common causes of the condition. Whatever the cause, PPH occurs in about 6 percent of all births.
As soon as your medical team begins to notice that you are bleeding too much, they will begin to take steps to stop the haemorrhage. Usually, this begins with a massage of your uterus, to encourage contractions. Since your uterus has lost tone, it is often this that leads to bleeding problems.
There are several other surgical and medical measures that your doctors can take, but they will generally start with the least painful and invasive, and work their way up from there. Some of these procedures will require your doctor to place a hand inside your uterus, but in those cases, you will be given painkillers before the procedure. Rarely will you need to have a transfusion to replace lost blood. You will also be given clotting agents if necessary, and be tested for anaemia. Your blood pressure and pulse will be taken regularly after delivery, and you will be kept at the hospital until your doctors are certain that your bleeding has finished.
