New lifesaving approach reduces bleeding after childbirth
It could save lives while reducing the need for blood transfusions
Measuring blood loss through a device called �drape ’ and administering recommended treatments together instead of providing them sequentially can reduce deaths caused by childbirth-related bleeding , according to a new study .
Postpartum haemorrhage ( PPH ), or the loss of more than 500 mL of blood within 24 hours after birth , is the main cause of death due to childbirth . About 14 million women suffer form it every year , with around 70,000 deaths or one woman passing away every six minutes .
In a study that involved over 200,000 women , researchers from the World Health Organization and the University of Birmingham found that measuring blood loss with a simple device and bundling treatments together could reduce severe bleeding by 60 percent , with women less likely to die . In addition , the approach led to a substantial reduction in the number of women requiring blood transfusions for bleeding — an important advantage especially in lowand middle-income countries where little or no blood for transfusion is usually available .
�Postpartum haemorrhage is scary , not always predictable , but absolutely treatable . Nonetheless , its impacts around the world are tragic , � Dr Pascale Allotey , Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO and head of the United Nations ’ Special Programme of Research , Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction ( HRP ), said in a press release . �No woman should fear for her life when giving birth . Effective solutions to tackle postpartum bleeding need to be available and accessible so that all women can experience a safe birth and a healthy future with their families . �
The new approach involves accurate blood loss detection using a drape to collect blood and immediate treatment like uterine massage , medicines to contract the womb and stop the bleeding , intravenous fluid administration , an examination , and advanced care when needed .
PPH is often detected too late to ensure women are successfully treated . Many doctors make visual assessment to establish whether women are losing blood , making the process inaccurate and often leading to late diagnoses and treatment . Medical interventions are also provided sequentially , meaning that there are gaps between each of them , potentially losing more time if the first treatment is not effective .
�This new approach to treating postpartum haemorrhage could radically improve women ’ s chances of surviving childbirth globally , helping them get the treatment they need when they need it , � Professor Arri Coomarasamy , who led the trial and is the Co- Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre on Global Women ’ s Health at the University of Birmingham , said in the press release . �Time is of the essence when responding to postpartum bleeding , so interventions that eliminate delays in diagnosis or treatment should be gamechangers for maternal health . �
PPH is often detected too late to ensure women are successfully treated .
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com ISSUE 3 | 2023
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