Pathophysiology+and+Potential+Outcomes

 Pathophysiology
 * -Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the loss of 500mL of blood or more following a vaginal birth or the loss of more than 1000mL of blood after a cesarean birth.
 * -It can also be defined by a 10% change or decrease in the hematocrit value between being admitted in the hospital at the beginning of labor and postpartum or by needing a blood transfusion.
 * -Primary PPH occurs within 24 hours of the birth.
 * -Secondary PPH can occur anywhere after 24 hours up to 6 weeks after the birth.
 * -After a baby is delivered, the uterus continues to contract because it still needs to expel the placenta. After the placenta is expelled, the contractions need to continue to help constrict the blood vessels. If this does not occur, it can result in excessive blood being lost and hemorrhage occurring.

Potential Outcomes -Because of the excessive and rapid blood loss, potential outcomes of postpartum hemorrhage are a severe drop in blood pressure, and this can then result in shock and death if not treated. -Complications from PPH include orthostatic hypotension, anemia, fatigue, postpartum depression, blood transfusions, hemorrhagic shock, occult myocardial ischemia, dilutional coagulopathy, and death. -Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality.

__References__

Anderson, J.M. & Etches, D. (2007). Prevention and management of postpartum hemorrhage. //American Family Physician, 75// (6), p.875-882.

 Perry, S. E., Hockenberry, M. J., Lowdermilk, D. L. & Wilson, D. (2010). //Maternal child// // nursing care // [4th Ed.]. Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby, Inc.