What causes postpartum haemorrhage?

After the placenta separates, the womb normally tightens around the blood vessels where it was attached. Uterine atony means the womb stays too relaxed, so those vessels continue to bleed. This is the very common cause described for postpartum haemorrhage.

Bleeding can also come from a tear in the cervix, vagina, or perineum, including a deeper tear after an assisted or difficult birth. Retained placenta means part of the placenta or membranes remains in the womb and prevents effective contraction. Clotting problems, an over-stretched womb, or placental complications can add risk.

This is treated as an emergency by the maternity team. They check blood loss, pulse, blood pressure, the womb, and the birth canal while giving medicines that help the womb contract, fluids, and other treatment as needed. They may examine for tears or retained tissue and arrange procedures or blood products when clinically necessary.

Call emergency services or alert the maternity team immediately for rapidly increasing bleeding, large clots, faintness, weakness, shortness of breath, a racing heartbeat, pale or clammy skin, or severe abdominal pain. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint. Heavy bleeding can become dangerous quickly even if the birth seemed uncomplicated.

What cause did you find? Has the womb contracted and has the placenta been fully removed? Do I need blood tests, iron, follow-up monitoring, or advice about warning signs at home?