I don't know why I had a Pph, are any of these likely to be the cause?

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I've been reading though threads and thinking about eventually trying for another baby so I've begun to wonder about this.

I had a pph of about 2ltrs when my DS was born and had to have a transfusion but I don't know why. I asked the Dr about it at my 6 week check and she said it just happens sometimes but I didn't ask while I was in hospital which I regret now.

I know it wasn't because I retained any of the placenta because I remember the midwife telling me it was intact.

It was a pretty quick birth, I had my first contraction at about 5am I think and DS was born at 11. There was no intervention like forceps though they were starting to talk about getting me out and breaking my waters - they didn't break till about 10, they'd been buldging since I arrived at hospital at 7. I also remember that DS's foot was tangled in the umbilical cord and it was tugging uncomfortably so I asked to get out of the birthing pool and that's when the pph happened.

Do any of those things sound like they night be the cause? Is the Dr right and I'll just never know?

I would like to have another waterbirth but I'm wondering too if I'll be allowed.

Thanks in advance for reading my essay!

you would be best off speaking to a supervisor of midwives who can answer your questions. I do believe that sometimes these things can just happen and they may speculate but you never get a reason x x

Thanks for replying up. Do you know, if I would have to go through the hospital I have ever birth at? My DS is nearly 1 now so I might have left it too late.

Gave birth! Not 'have ever!'

I'm not sure if they would be able to tell you the cause. I had pph with my first. I didn't even understand what was happening as nobody told me what was going on. I was just rushed off to my own room and given 2 blood transfusions. I know my uterus wasn't contracting down properly after giving birth so they put a catheter in as I couldn't pass urine, not sure if that would have had anything to do with it.

If you are thinking of ttc no 2 don't let the pph put you off. I had no problems with ds2.

Am now pregnant with twins and the only thing midwives have been concerned about with my previous pph is my really low iron levels that I can't seem to get up.

I had a pph of 1.5 litres and when pg with dc2 they checked my blood as I've a history of bleeding too much for another op but it came back fine, they think inducing, long labour (44 hrs) and my uterus not clamping down may have been the cause but it's hard to say for sure.
I didn't argue against a consultant lead delivery so no idea what the reaction would be, i second advice to try and get someone to review your notes and advise on birth options so you get some specific advice and information.

Are you hypermobile (double-jointed)? It's linked to PPH. I had a fairly big one first time round and for this and some other complications had a c-sec the next time, and had a small pph then.

Congratulations arghhelpme! How lovely!

Thanks gen I'll give the hospital a call I think.

Oh, that's interesting grunt . I'm not but my mum and DS are...

Yeah you would go through the hospital you gave birth at! never too late-I had a debrief 4 years after birth! x

I obtained my notes (couldn't face returning to the hospital for a debrief) and my PPH of nearly 3 litres was due to uterine atony -- basically my uterus couldn't contract back after baby was delivered and kept pumping out blood. I had a hideous failed induction that went on a very long time with the hormone drip turned up high, though, so I expect that is what caused mine. I have heard that uterine atony is a common cause of PPHs.

I think a debrief sounds sensible if you feel up to it. Much better than just being left wondering, especially after all this time.