Factors Affecting Early Postpartum Hemorrhage at Prachomklao Hospital, Phetchaburi Province

Abstract

The purposes of this retrospective study were to explore the factors influencing early postpartum hemorrhage and compare the amount of postpartum blood loss and the change in the hematocrit level within 24 hours of birth among postpartum women with different causes of bleeding. The sample consisted of 62 women who had early postpartum hemorrhage and delivered at Prachomklao Hospital between October 2014 and September 2016. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent t-test. The results of this study found that the major cause of early postpartum hemorrhage in Prachomklao Hospital was uterine atony (75.8%). The atonic postpartum hemorrhage women had significantly lower hematocrit level changes as compared to the other causes of bleeding (P < .01).

This study suggests that Prachomklao hospital should develop guidelines to prevent early postpartum hemorrhage, especially the risk screening for atonic postpartum hemorrhage. It should be planned to assess and monitor the hematocrit level in postpartum women to ensure adequate hematocrit level.