Postpartum Hemorrhage—Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Causes

Abstract

The incidence of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is increasing worldwide and in the United States. Coinciding, is the increased rate of severe maternal morbidity with blood transfusion in the United States over the past 2 decades. Consequences of PPH can be life-threatening and carry significant cost burden to the health care system. This review will discuss the current trends, distribution, and risk factors for PPH. Causes of PPH will be explored in detail.