Did you get PPH?

[EllyBoo72]

Bit TMI...But how much bleeding is associated with this, what are the other symptoms and how do the Doc's know that you have it? Probably a silly question. But I noticed (PPH) on my antenatal records, and was wondering why they have noted it, and if that is what I may have had with my last birth? I'm confused

[Trillian]

If they have noted it on your record, then yes, you would have had one. I'm not sure when a bleed becomes a PPH though. A large/severe PPH is over 1000mls of blood loss. For me, the symptoms were just that I started to bleed due to a retained placenta. Not sure exactly how much loss it was, but I think it was considerable as I was very doey by the time I got to theatre and i eventually had a 2 unit blood transfusion.

Can you remember what went on in after your DS was born to have that happen? was the placenta slow to come out or anything?

[Alan]

PPH is blood loss of 500mls or more

[EllyBoo72]

I had a CS with DS, and later that day I do remember alot of blood loss...Felt like a hose between my legs to be honest, but I'm not sure how much it really was. The next day I had ringing in my ears and felt feint for a week or two after that. I didnt have blood transfusion or anything....I thought those symptoms were normal?

[Alan]

EllyBoo
Those symptoms are not normal but it is a sign of blood loss. Not everyone who has a PPH needs a blood transfusion

[EllyBoo72]

Thanks Alan, at least I will be somewhat aware of what is happening to me next time.
Would taking Iron tablets after birth help with those symptoms?

[Alan]

Yes they would to some degree but the only cure is either a blood transfusion or wait until your body replaces the blood that you have lost

[EllyBoo72]

Thanks again Alan.

[BellyBelly]

It is quite difficult to measure blood loss after birth too... PPH is not that common, but with intervention and inductions it is higher than normal.

[Alan]

What Kelly says is true. We don't collect the blood and measure it we just guess the amount of loss. But this can be quite deceptive when you consider that often it is mixed with your waters. Also a small amount af blood can look like a lot of blood to a new midwife and even more so to the owner of the blood