Post-Partum Haemorrhage (PPH)

Heavy bleeding after birth 

Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) is excessive bleeding from the vagina at any time after the baby’s birth and up until six weeks afterwards.

PPH is a complication that can occur after your baby is born, known as the third stage of labour. There will be some blood loss during your birth. However, some people may experience heavy bleeding in the first 24 hours after their baby is born and this bleeding is called a postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). Treating a postpartum haemorrhage

Your midwife will identify if you are experiencing a PPH very soon after the birth of your baby due to the amount of blood you may have lost. They will act very quickly to ensure you are treated straightaway to stop the bleeding. You may find that your birth environment will become busier, as more midwives and doctors will be called quickly to help look after you.  This can feel frightening because the staff will be working quickly and with urgency.

Postpartum Haemorrhage Aftercare

Why Does PPH Occur?

PPH can occur for several reasons, many of which are out of your control. If you do experience a PPH it may help to talk to your midwife about your experience and ask them to explain further so you can understand why it may have happened.

How will I feel afterwards?

You may need a longer hospital stay. If tests show that you are very anaemic or if you are feeling faint, dizzy, or light-headed, you may be offered a blood transfusion or an iron infusion.

• A blood transfusion is when a person gives their blood to help someone else who may need it. The blood is in a bag and is transferred via a thin tube and needle into the vein of the person who receives it.

• An iron infusion is when a small plastic tube is inserted with a needle into a vein in someone’s arm to allow an iron mixture to transfer directly into the body. image 5

Self-care

You can help improve your iron levels following a PPH by taking iron tablets regularly and eating a healthy diet, including iron-rich foods such as meat, pulses, eggs and leafy green vegetables.

What about future births?

Everyone’s experience is unique, and the reason for PPH following your birth may not impact any future births at all. For possible future pregnancies, your healthcare provider will discuss your previous experience with you and offer support and guidance for your next birth. Together you will make a plan that enables you to feel prepared and perhaps less concerned.

Support

You and your birth partner may have found the experience distressing and it is often helpful to talk through the events. You will have the opportunity to discuss what has happened before you leave the hospital. You may be offered, or you can ask for a further meeting with a specialist Birth Debrief Midwife.

Birth partners are encouraged to attend the birth debrief to share their perspectives on the experience. It is common for partners witnessing the effects of a PPH to feel negatively affected by the experience, as often the person suffering a PPH is not always fully aware of what is happening to them, but the birth partner usually witnesses it all.

A birth debrief will provide an ideal opportunity to ask questions and share any concerns, helping to lower the risk of unwanted stress or anxiety in the future. If you’re experiencing symptoms of any postnatal mental illness or are worried about your partner’s behaviour, you should contact your GP and/or midwife.

You may find this leaflet useful, it provides information on self care following a PPH, advice on recovery and where to find support.