Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) is excessive bleeding from the vagina at any time after the baby’s birth, up until 6 weeks afterwards.
PPH is a complication that can occur during the third stage of labour after a baby’s born.
Causes vary, for example if your womb hasn’t reduced in size or you have a tear.
Losing some blood during childbirth is considered normal. However, heavy bleeding means losing 500 ml (a pint) or more of blood in the first 24 hours after your baby’s born.
If you’re bleeding heavily you might feel dizzy and light-headed too.
You’ll need to be treated straightaway to stop the bleeding. This can feel frightening because the staff will be working quickly.
Your midwife or doctor might:
They’ll keep a close eye on your:
You’ll stay on the labour ward until the bleeding’s slowed down a lot or stopped. If the bleeding carries on, you may need to have a blood transfusion or an operation.
If you lose a lot of blood, it can make you anaemic afterwards. This can make you feel extremely tired.
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If you need a different language or format, please contact phs.otherformats@phs.scot.
Last updated:
19 December 2023