The gravid uterus receives up to 12 % of the cardiac output, thus obstetric haemorrhage can be unexpected and can rapidly become life threatening.
| Haemorrhage type | Description | Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Antepartum (APH) | Bleeding after 24 weeks gestation and before delivery. | Placental abruption, Placenta praevia, Trauma, Uterine rupture |
| Primary postpartum (PPH) | Blood loss within 24 hours of delivery, which is > 500 ml, following a vaginal delivery, and > 1000 ml following a Caesarean section. | Uterine atony, Retained products of conception, Genital tract trauma, Clotting defects, Inverted uterus |
| Secondary postpartum | Blood loss greater than 24 hours after delivery. | Retained products of conception, Puerperal sepsis |