Heavy bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage
Postpartum hemorrhage means very heavy bleeding after birth. Staff may give medicines such as oxytocin to help the uterus contract, and other treatments if bleeding continues.
Most important
Heavy bleeding now
Heavy bleeding, feeling faint or a racing heart need emergency care. Call 911 or tell staff immediately.
What may happen
- Medicine to help the uterus contract.
- Close monitoring, IV fluids and sometimes blood transfusion or procedures.
Why
A uterus that does not contract well is a common cause of heavy bleeding.
What varies
Treatment depends on the cause and amount of bleeding.
Questions to ask
- What happened, and why did I need that treatment?
- What should I watch for at home?
Prototype draft. Not yet clinically reviewed. Your own care team's instructions come first. About this app
Sources
Summaries are drafted from these public sources. No hospital has endorsed this app.
Corewell Health / Beaumont · Southeast Michigan legacy website
Medical Labor and Delivery Intervention(opens in a new tab)- Published
- Date not stated
- Checked
- 2026-10-24
- Access
- Read from a search index copy
Applies to: Published by one health system. Procedures at your hospital may differ.
Limitations: Most page content concerns labor; use only relevant postpartum material.
ACOG · National patient education supplement
3 Conditions to Watch for After Childbirth(opens in a new tab)- Published
- Date not stated
- Checked
- 2026-10-24
- Access
- Read from a search index copy
Applies to: National or state guidance, not a hospital procedure.
Limitations: Useful where local public treatment descriptions are incomplete.