Excessive bleeding after childbirth is called

• A. Placenta previa
• B. Uterine rupture
• C. Postpartum hemorrhage
• D. Preeclampsia

Answer: (C)

Postpartum hemorrhage is heavy bleeding after delivery. It’s typically defined as blood loss exceeding about 500 mL after a vaginal birth (and more than 1000 mL after a cesarean), or any amount with signs of hypovolemia. This makes it the correct term for the scenario described, since the question focuses on excessive bleeding following childbirth. The condition is most often due to uterine atony—when the uterus doesn’t contract effectively after placental delivery—allowing continued bleeding. Recognizing postpartum hemorrhage quickly is essential because it’s a leading cause of preventable maternal morbidity and mortality and requires prompt treatment with uterotonic medications, uterine massage, fluid resuscitation, and sometimes blood products.

Placenta previa involves bleeding caused by placenta covering the cervix, typically in the third trimester and not specifically postpartum. Uterine rupture is a rupture of the uterus usually during labor with abrupt pain and fetal distress. Preeclampsia is high blood pressure with potential organ involvement during pregnancy and postpartum, not a definition of postpartum bleeding itself.