A useful mnemonic to remember the risk factors of postpartum hemorrhage is PARTUM.
Pathology
Classification
Postpartum hemorrhage can be broadly classified as primary or secondary.
Primary postpartum hemorrhage
This is the most common form of major obstetric hemorrhage. Primary postpartum hemorrhage is traditionally defined as the loss of ≥500 mL of blood from the birth canal within 24 hours of birth.
It can be subdivided into:
minor: 500-1000 mL
major: >1000 mL
moderate: 1000-2000 mL
severe: >2000 mL
Secondary postpartum hemorrhage
Secondary postpartum hemorrhage is defined as abnormal or excessive per vaginal bleeding between 24 hours and 12 weeks postnatally.
Etiology
uterine atony (excessive uterine relaxation): most common cause
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