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  |  Pregnancy  |  Concerns  |  Will I haemorrhage again?
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Will I haemorrhage again?

by Christine Hill

question
The birth of my first child resulted in me haemorrhaging and losing a lot of blood. This was extremely frightening and the doctors seemed very worried. Is it likely that this will happen with my second child and is a Caesarean a better option?

answer
A post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) is when the placental bed - the area of the uterus to which the placenta was attached - bleeds severely. This may be caused by the muscle fibres of the uterus failing to contract firmly enough to constrict the uterine blood vessels after delivery. Sometimes a part of the placenta is retained in the uterus, which would also cause a PPH.

You are right, it is a frightening situation for the mother and an emergency for the doctors to deal with. I don't know what was the cause of yours, or if it is likely to happen again.

The best thing you can do is to make an appointment to see an obstetrician who can look up your notes and tell you what the chances are of the same thing happening after a second baby. If you are still very anxious, it would certainly be in order for you to discuss the possibility of having an elective Caesarean section next time round.

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