Chennai: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) has been found to be the leading cause of maternal deaths in Chennai and the condition gets worse in women with pre-existing anemia, doctors have noted.

The condition is a matter of concern as the majority of women who experience PPH complications have no identifiable risk factors.

PPH is the leading cause of maternal deaths worldwide, with an estimated mortality of 140,000 per year. InIndia, PPH contributed to 38 per cent of all maternal deaths.The condition occurs when a woman has heavy bleeding after giving birth and puts her life at risk if there is excess loss of blood or the blood loss is not quickly controlled.

Dr M Madhubala, obstetrics and gynaecology expert at Lakshmi Madhavan Hospital says says the condition gets aggravated in women with pre-existing anemia when the loss of a smaller volume of blood may still result in adverse clinical sequel.

‘Despite its complications, the condition is completely preventable and manageable by making all the essential preparedness during the delivery. This involves keeping a PPH trolley in labor room ready which should have everything required for management of bleeding patient. In addition to this, proper training of labor room staff is also crucial for estimation of blood loss,’ she says.