Maternal Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage is determined by blood loss greater than 500cc following a vaginal delivery, 1,000cc of blood loss after a C-section, or the cumulative loss of greater than 1,000cc of blood in 24 consecutive hours during or following birth.  Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality.

There are several risk factors for postpartum hemorrhaging, including:

• C-Section
• Large Baby/Macrosomia
• Multiple Gestation
• Prolonged Labor
• Placenta Previa
• Placenta Accreta
• Pitocin Administration
• Previous Postpartum Hemorrhage
• Prior C- Section
• Prior Uterine Surgery
• General Anesthesia
• Chorioamnionitis
• Active Bleeding

What Causes Maternal Hemorrhaging?

Uterine atony, a condition in which the uterus fails to contract following the delivery of the placenta, accounts for most cases of maternal hemorrhage.  Additional causes of maternal hemorrhage include cervical lacerations, uterine inversion, uterine rupture, and clotting disorders.  Additionally, forceps delivery can cause lacerations of the birth canal.

To stop the hemorrhage, a medical professional may try massaging the uterus, medications, laceration repair, vaginal packing, blood transfusions or administering blood-clotting factors. If the bleeding cannot be controlled, interventional radiology or an emergency surgery, including a hysterectomy, may be performed.

Did You or a Loved One Suffer Injury or Death Due to Postpartum Hemorrhaging?

If you suspect your loved one suffered injury or died due postpartum hemorrhaging, consider discussing your situation with our birth injury lawyers. You can call us at (877) 262-9767 or fill out our online contact form. Our attorneys handle cases nationwide, and have offices in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Wilmington, DE and Birmingham.

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