Abstract: Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is one of the most common causes of maternal morbidity and mortality throughout the world. PPH significantly leads to anaemia, infection, lactional failure, blood transfusion and psychological morbidity. Pregnancy and childbirth involves significant health risks, even to women with no preexisting health problem. The objective of this study was to analyse different causes and risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune India. A total number of 80 cases of PPH that fulfilled the selection criteria were included.
Results: In the current study we found the PPH was common between 25 – 28 years of age, mean gestational age of the 36.5 ± 3.4 weeks and of higher parity. Preeclampsia (35%) followed by Prolonged labour (26.3) were important risk factors for PPH.
Conclusions: Increase in PPH may result in significant maternal morbidity as well as mortality. Early identification of risk factors, causes and implementation of prevention strategies should be mainstay of management in all labour patients. Active management of third stage of labour is highly recommended in all cases.