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Can postpartum haemorrhage be prevented?

How the structures involved in Postpartum Haemorrhage differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Postpartum Haemorrhage differ from normal

Short answer

Postpartum haemorrhage cannot always be prevented, but maternity care can reduce risk and enable rapid treatment.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Main approach
Risk assessment, planned maternity care and early treatment
Emergency sign
Heavy or rapidly increasing bleeding after birth
Preparation
Share previous bleeding, anaemia and medication history

Can postpartum haemorrhage be prevented?

Some cases occur without a clear warning. Planning before delivery helps the team recognise individual risks, have medicines and blood support available, and respond promptly if bleeding becomes heavy.

What prevention involves

After birth, the uterus normally contracts and compresses the blood vessels where the placenta was attached. If it does not contract firmly, bleeding can continue. A retained placenta or tears in the birth canal can also cause postpartum haemorrhage.

The maternity team may use a medicine that helps the uterus contract and check that the placenta is complete. They also inspect for tears and monitor bleeding, pulse and blood pressure. These measures lower avoidable risk but cannot remove every cause.

How to prepare for birth

Attend antenatal appointments and tell your maternity team about previous heavy bleeding after birth, anaemia, bleeding disorders, medicines that affect clotting, a low-lying placenta or previous uterine surgery. Treating anaemia before delivery can improve resilience if blood loss occurs.

Ask where you should deliver and whether a written birth plan should include intravenous access, blood testing or specialist support. Continue prescribed medicines unless the clinician managing them gives you a specific change plan.

When bleeding needs urgent care

Heavy or rapidly increasing vaginal bleeding after birth is an emergency. Alert maternity staff immediately if you are still in hospital. After discharge, call emergency services for bleeding that soaks pads quickly, large clots, faintness, severe weakness, breathlessness, confusion, a racing heartbeat or cold, clammy skin.

Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or unwell. Lie down if safe, keep your phone nearby and have another adult stay with you while emergency help is coming.

Questions for your maternity team

Ask which personal factors affect your bleeding risk, how your haemoglobin will be checked, what measures are planned after delivery, and how the team would manage a retained placenta or birth-canal tear. You can also ask which bleeding changes after discharge should trigger an immediate emergency call.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can postpartum haemorrhage happen without known risk factors?

Yes. Heavy bleeding can develop even when pregnancy and delivery appeared uncomplicated, which is why maternity teams monitor every patient after birth.

Does prevention mean postpartum haemorrhage cannot happen?

No. Preventive measures reduce avoidable risk and support an early response, but they cannot eliminate every cause of bleeding.

Why is anaemia checked before birth?

Anaemia reduces the body's reserve if bleeding occurs. Identifying and treating it during pregnancy can support recovery after delivery.

Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.