Background: Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as blood loss more than 500 ml following normal vaginal delivery and 1000 ml following cesarean section. It is associated with significant maternal morbidity and mortality in developing world. The risk factors associated with PPH include obesity, multiparity, fetal macrosomia, preeclampsia, polyhydramnios, retained placenta, uterine atony and instrumental deliveries. Unless managed aggressively PPH has all the potential to prove fatal. Appropriate resuscitative measures, blood transfusions and sometimes surgical interventions are required. With proper management the maternal mortality due to PPH can be lowered to a significant level.

Aims and Objectives: (1) To study the risk factors associated with postpartum hemorrhage.

(2) To study the outcome of women with postpartum hemorrhage.

Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study of 30 women with postpartum hemorrhage who were admitted in our hospital. Patients were included in the study on the basis of predefined inclusion criteria. Patient having any exclusion criteria were excluded from this study. The risk factors associated with postpartum hemorrhage and outcome of pregnant women having PPH were studied. The data was tabulated and analyzed using SPSS 16.0 version software.

Results: Out of 450 deliveries which have taken place in our hospital during study period there were 30 patients who were diagnosed with PPH hence the incidence of PPH in our study was found to be 6.66 %. It was found 12 (40 %) women had BMI ≥30 while 18 (60 %) women had BMI less than 30. Amongst the studied cases 18 (60 %) were primipara, 10 (33.33%) were multipara and 2 (6.66 %) women were grand multipara. Multiparity, Large for gestational age babies, h/o PPH, Antepartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia, instrumental deliveries and LSCS were some of the factors associated with PPH. There was no maternal mortality amongst the studied cases. 2 (6.66%) patients had to be referred to higher centre for further management.

Conclusion:  Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the important causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing world. Identification and modification of known risk factors and proper management of PPH can significantly reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Postpartum hemorrhage, Maternal morbidity and mortality, Risk factors, Outcome.

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Dr Chetana A Gopchade

Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist,

Amrutpath Maternity Hospital Nanded. (MS)- India