Postpartum Hemorrhage: Risk Factors and Preventive Strategies

Abstract

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage is considered the leading cause of pregnancy related deaths worldwide, with an estimated 140,000 women dying annually from this complication. Aim: Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as the loss of more than 500 ml of blood after delivery or more than 1000 ml of blood after cesarean section. However, there are variations in its definition between societies and clinical practice guidelines. Findings: The incidence of postpartum hemorrhage is generally estimated between 4% and 6% and some studies report that identifiable risk factors can only be found in 39% of patients, so at least 2/3 of the women could have postpartum hemorrhage without any identifiable risk factor. Discussion: Today there is still an upward trend in the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage, some authors believe that it may be due to the change in maternal characteristics or assisted reproductive techniques but there is little evidence to support it, instead it seems that it may be due to a delay in identification and treatment. Conclusion: it is important to take action without delay at the onset of postpartum hemorrhage that includes the implementation of established protocols and patient fluid management, with a trained team in the identification, reducing maternal morbidity and mortality due to this complication.