PPH in medical terms stands for Postpartum Hemorrhage. It refers to excessive bleeding after childbirth.
Understanding Postpartum Hemorrhage
Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) is a significant concern in obstetrics, characterized by substantial blood loss following delivery. The precise definition can vary slightly, but it generally involves blood loss exceeding specific thresholds.
Definition of PPH
According to the provided reference:
- PPH is commonly defined as blood loss exceeding 500 milliliters (mL) following vaginal birth and 1000 mL following cesarean.
Challenges in Diagnosing PPH
It's crucial to recognize the challenges associated with accurately diagnosing PPH:
- Subjectivity: Diagnosis is often subjective.
- Inaccurate estimates: Estimations of blood loss can be inaccurate. 1
Factors Influencing PPH Diagnosis
Several factors make diagnosing PPH challenging:
- Visual Estimation: Reliance on visual estimation of blood loss is prone to error.
- Individual Variation: Normal blood loss during and after childbirth can vary among individuals.
- Delayed Recognition: Bleeding may be underestimated initially, leading to delayed recognition of PPH.
