1,533
Views
28
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Article

Risk factors for early postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in the first vaginal delivery, and obstetrical outcomes in subsequent pregnancy

, , &
Pages 932-937 | Received 01 Apr 2014, Accepted 19 Jun 2014, Published online: 05 Aug 2014
 

Abstract

Objective: To investigate risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in vaginal deliveries and the influence of previous PPH on the subsequent pregnancy.

Study design: A retrospective cohort study including first singleton deliveries between the years 1988 and 2012 was performed comparing deliveries with and without PPH. In addition, perinatal outcomes of the subsequent pregnancy were evaluated. Multivariable analysis was performed to control for confounders.

Results: PPH complicated 0.8% of all first vaginal deliveries. Significant risk factors for PPH in vaginal delivery, using a multiple logistic regression model, were: post-term pregnancy, fertility treatments, hypertensive disorders, labor dystocia during the 2nd, and perineal tears grade 2 and 3, respectively. Previous PPH was found to be an independent risk factor for PPH in the subsequent pregnancy. Moreover, previous PPH was found to be a significant risk factor for cesarean section (CS) deliver, to complicate delivery with revision of uterus cavity, anemia, and to require blood transfusion.

Conclusion: Previous PPH poses a risk for recurrent PPH in subsequent delivery and an increased risk for CS. As PPH remains one of the major causes of maternal morbidity, this study strengthens the need for a comprehensive evaluation of prior PPH as a major risk factor for PPH recurrence.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr Lena Novack for her great assistance in the statistical analysis of this study.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.