 |
Be aware that the following information describes rare complications that some readers may find disturbing. You may choose not to read all, or parts, of this section. |
Bleeding - secondary PPH
Although uncommon, it is possible to experience a haemorrhage in the days or weeks following the birth. This is called a 'secondary postpartum haemorrhage' (or PPH). A secondary postpartum haemorrhage usually presents as abnormally heavy bleeding (with or without multiple blood clots) being passed later than 24 hours after the birth, and up until 6 weeks after the birth. A heavy blood loss would generally involve largish gushes of blood, soaking pads in less than 30 minutes, either continually or 'on and off' over a several hours, and/or passing large blood clots (larger than a golf ball).
A secondary PPH is much less common than heavy bleeding soon after the birth (called a 'primary postpartum haemorrhage'), only occurring in less than 1% of all births. You may wish to read
postpartum haemorrhage.
The reasons for a secondary PPH normally relate to either an infection of the uterus, or a small part of the placenta being retained in the uterus after the birth. If part of the placenta remains in the uterus, it can slowly break down over time and cause a
uterine infection. The presence of a 'foreign body' in the uterus often triggers a physical response by the woman's body to start bleeding more heavily, in an attempt to form a blood clot around the piece of placenta, making it easier to expel. The uterus will continue to do this until the foreign body is expelled. This leads to the woman experiencing heavy bleeding, passing multiple blood clots and often having strong abdominal cramps, as the uterus contracts and opens the cervix slightly to pass the clots.
If you are experiencing abnormally heavy bleeding and cramping, or passing multiple clots, you should return to the hospital immediately.