Postpartum Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal death worldwide. The emergency physician should rapidly evaluate patients with peripartum bleeding for signs and symptoms of hypovolemia associated with bleeding, which can be subtle in the pregnant and postpartum patient, and if noted move rapidly to interventions. Interventions focus on provision of uterotonic medications, physical maneuvers to tamponade bleeding, initiation of a balanced resuscitation with blood products and mobilizing key consultants, including obstetrics and interventional radiology.