Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Heavy bleeding during or after childbirth

Heavy bleeding during or after childbirth is called postpartum haemorrhage. The uterus often fails to contract adequately, but a tear, retained placental tissue or a clotting problem may also be the cause. It can quickly become life-threatening; continued heavy bleeding, dizziness, palpitations, breathlessness or collapse requires immediate action.

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Heavy bleeding during or after childbirth is called postpartum haemorrhage. The uterus often fails to contract adequately, but a tear, retained placental tissue or a clotting problem may also be the cause. It can quickly become life-threatening; continued heavy bleeding, dizziness, palpitations, breathlessness or collapse requires immediate action.

  • Persistent or suddenly rapid vaginal bleeding, rapidly soaked pads, large clots or blood running onto the floor or bed.
  • A fast heartbeat, dizziness, weakness, becoming pale or clammy, intense thirst, nausea or a feeling that something is seriously wrong.
  • Do not try to treat active heavy bleeding at home: call for help, lie down, keep warm and do not drive yourself.
  • After discharge, use pads so the amount of blood and clots remain visible. Do not use a tampon or menstrual cup while lochia continues, and in any event not before the postnatal check or until a healthcare professional confirms that wounds have healed.
  • Call the midwife or maternity ward immediately if bleeding after returning home suddenly increases, does not lessen or contains large clots.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.
  • Rapid ongoing bleeding with weakness, clamminess, a fast pulse, breathlessness, confusion or near-fainting is an obstetric emergency.

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