POST-PARTAL BLEEDING

Lochia

Lochia is the name given to postpartum bleeding. Every woman who delivers a child, either
vaginally or through cesarean section, will experience this type of bleeding. It is the way in
which your body expels excess mucus, placental tissue, and blood after giving birth.

Lochia is very similar to the bleeding you experience during your menstrual period, however, it
is much heavier. It typically begins in the hours immediately following birth and usually
continues for two or three weeks. However, in some women lochia can last for up to six weeks.

Symptoms of Lochia
Lochia usually begins as a bright red discharge from the vagina. This blood typically continues to
be bright red in color for between four and ten days. After ten days, your lochia will become a
pink color, eventually changing to a yellowish-white color. This blood flow may be constant and
even, or it may be expelled in intermittent gushes. Lochia may also be accompanied by
numerous small blood clots, about the size of a grape.

Dealing with Lochia

Postpartum bleeding can sometimes be annoying to contend with, however, there are some
ways to make the going easier:

 Rest as much as you can, and avoid excess standing and walking (this will exacerbate the
blood flow).
 Use heavy duty maxi pads to soak up the blood.
 Do not use tampons for at least six weeks after pregnancy. Tampons can introduce
bacteria in to the vagina and uterus, causing infection.

Warning Signs
Typically, lochia is not the result of any health complication and will end on its own when your
body is ready. However, some women do experience problems with their postpartum bleeding.
If you experience any of the following signs, call your health care provider or visit your nearest
emergency room:

 bright red discharge for more than seven days after birth
 discharge that smells bad
 fever and chills
 abnormally heavy bleeding (in which a maxi pad is soaked in less than one hour)
Postpartum Hemorrhaging

Postpartum hemorrhaging is a more severe type of post-pregnancy bleeding. If you lose more
than 500 mL of blood after a vaginal birth, or more than 1000 mL after a cesarean section birth,
you are classified as having postpartum hemorrhaging. Postpartum hemorrhaging can be a very
dangerous condition, and is associated with various complications including heavy blood loss
and even maternal death.

Postpartum hemorrhaging occurs in between 1% and 10% of all pregnancies in the United
States. It usually begins in the 24 hours immediately following childbirth (early postpartum
hemorrhage), however, it can occur anytime during the six weeks following delivery (delayed
postpartum hemorrhage).

What Causes Postpartum Hemorrhaging?

The most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage occurs when the uterus does not contract
 after birth. This allows the uterus to continue bleeding, and can result in massive blood loss.
Other causes of postpartum hemorrhage include:

 failure to pass all of your placenta

 forced removal of the placenta
 trauma to the uterus, cervix, or vagina during delivery

Who's At Risk for Postpartum Hemorrhaging?

Every woman is at risk for developing postpartum hemorrhage. However, there are certain
factors that will increase your risk. These include:

 multiple birth
 placenta previa
 induced labor
 birthing a large baby

Symptoms of Postpartum Hemorrhaging

It is extremely important that every new mother knows how to recognize the symptoms of
postpartum hemorrhage. Quick treatment is essential in order to prevent massive blood loss
and death. Symptoms include:

 massive blood loss

 passing large clots
 dizziness, lightheadedness, or fatigue

Treating Postpartum Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage is usually taken very seriously. If you are suffering from this type of
bleeding, you will likely be treated in hospital. Treatment includes:

 uterine massage to stimulate contractions and stop blood flow

 the medication Pitocin, which stimulates uterine contractions
 the removal of excess placenta, typically by hand to prevent further bleeding
 blood transfusion (if there is massive blood loss)
 hysterectomy (if there is damage to the uterus)
 CASE STUDY:
POST-PARTAL BLEEDING

Submitted by:
Ma. Steffi Lindsay M. Munoz
BSN IV-10 | Group A

Submitted to:
Mrs. Villena
Batangas Puericulture Center