ABSTRACT
Primary PPH is defined as the loss of 500 ml or more of blood from the genital tract within 24 hours of birth. The causes of PPH include: tone (uterine atony), trauma (genital tract trauma), tissue (retained placenta) and thrombin (coagulopathy/DIC). Uterine atony is the most common cause, accounting for 70% of cases. Endometritis is the most common cause of secondary PPH. Active management of the third stage of labour lowers maternal blood loss and reduces the risk of PPH. Hence prophylactic oxytocics should be offered to all women routinely in the third stage of labour.
