Post-Partum Haemorrhage at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, South-South Nigeria: A 5-Year Review

Abstract

Postpartum haemorrhage complicates about 3 – 5% of deliveries. It is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (of which Nigeria is a part), where it significantly contributes to the burden of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence, maternal and perinatal outcomes of postpartum haemorrhage and its maternal outcome at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, South-South, Nigeria. This retrospective survey was conducted between 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2020. Data were retrieved, entered into a pre-designed proforma, and analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Results were presented in frequencies and percentages for categorical variables and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. Out of 4,571 deliveries within the study period, postpartum haemorrhage complicated 66; representing a case incidence rate of 14.4 per 1,000 deliveries. Majority of the women were multiparous/grand-multiparous (53, 80.3%) and unbooked (56, 84.4%). Primary postpartum haemorrhage was the more common (56, 84.8%) type of postpartum haemorrhage, with uterine atony being the most (39, 59.1%) implicated aetiology. The most common (12, 18.2%) perinatal complications were birth asphyxia and admission into special care baby unit. There were 5 cases of maternal mortality giving a rate of 10.9 deaths per 10,000 pregnant women. Postpartum haemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. Therefore, antenatal booking, recognition of risk factors and active management of third stage of labour are key in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage and its associated complications. Women should be encouraged to book for antenatal care early and be regular at the visits, as this will help recognise danger signs early and establish plans to prevent postpartum haemorrhage.