Postpartum hemorrhage

Overview

Postpartum hemorrhage is excessive bleeding after childbirth. Causes include loss of tone in the uterine muscles, the placenta growing too deeply into the uterine wall, tears, or a bleeding disorder.

Symptoms

Postpartum hemorrhage causes blood loss. You might produce less urine, feel light-headed or have low blood pressure or a high pulse rate.

Treatments

Treatments can include uterine massage, medication, blood transfusion, abdominal surgery, or hysterectomy.