3 Causes Of Maternal Death.docx

POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE Postpartum hemorrhage is more bleeding than normal after the birth of a baby. Once a baby is delivered, the uterus normally contracts and pushes out the placenta. After the placenta is delivered, these contractions help put pressure on the bleeding vessels in the area where the placenta was attached. If the uterus does not contract strongly enough, these blood vessels bleed freely. If small pieces of the placenta stay attached, bleeding is also likely.

Symptoms:     

Uncontrolled bleeding Decreased blood pressure Increased heart rate Decrease in the red blood cell count Swelling and pain in the vagina and nearby area if bleeding is from a hematoma

POSTPARTUM INFECTION

Vulnerable to certain infections after you have a baby Common infections include: 

Endometritis, an infection of the endometrium (uterine lining) – more likely if you had c section

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Mastitis, a breast infection – more likely in moms with cracked nipples

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Infected incision – infection of c-section incision site

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Urinary tract infection -

POSTPARTUM PREECLAMPSIA

Occurs when a woman has high blood pressure and excess protein in her urine soon after childbirth.

Symptoms: 

High blood pressure (hypertension) — 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or greater

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Excess protein in your urine (proteinuria)

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Severe headaches

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Changes in vision, including temporary loss of vision, blurred vision or light sensitivity

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Swelling of the face and limbs

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Upper abdominal pain, usually under the ribs on the right side

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Nausea or vomiting

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Decreased urination

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Sudden weight gain, typically more than 2 pounds (0.9 kilogram) a wee

Risk factors 

High blood pressure during your most recent pregnancy (hypertensive disease). You're at increased risk of postpartum preeclampsia if you developed high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy (gestational hypertension).

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Obesity. The risk of postpartum preeclampsia is higher if you're obese.

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Family history. Having a first-degree relative — a parent or sibling — with a history of preeclampsia increases your risk of preeclampsia.

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Age. Women who are younger than 20 or older than 40 are at increased risk of preeclampsia.

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Having multiples. Having twins or more babies increases your risk of preeclampsia.

Complication

Unsafe abortion