Another child after PPH

[BeQuaintZebra]

Had my little girl in nov 2023, induction due to reduced fetal movement at 39 weeks. Successful induction, no drip needed and labour was 1hr 56 mins so very quick. Straight after delivery I lost 4.5L as uterus didn’t contract, needed to be put under and signed off to having a hysterectomy if needed. Luckily they managed to stop the bleeding and I recieved multiple transfusions after. I’d love to have another child but the first has really put me off as it’s left le with a lot of trauma. My surgeon said not to have another baby for 2 years but didn’t specify whether another pph would happen again. Any stories or advice? Obviously not in a rush but would love another in future and apart from after birth I had a very easy labour

I had a PPH with my second - not as much, around 2 litres, but bad enough I was kept in and monitored for a blood transfusion. I've since had a third, and was told that I would be fine, but that I would be given a canular during labour so that as soon as baby was delivered they could give me medication via it to help with clotting if needed.

I didn't end up needing it thankfully! The risk of having a PPH after having one previously is higher than if you haven't, but it's also not guarenteed you will. I think the risk goes up by 65%, which is scary, but I think it works out as only a 5% chance still you'd have one

Have you had a proper debrief with either a MW or an obstetrician since you recovered - might be worth asking if you haven't. They'll be able to give an idea about whether there was anything particular that caused the atony (possibly just the speed of your labour or where there something like retained membranes/placenta or a tear as well) and whether it's something that's more likely to recur. They'd also be able to suggest a plan for how the risk in future pregnancies could be reduced (which might inc things like making sure you're on iron pre-delivery if you're deficient (doesn't reduce the chance of a bleed, but might put you at a better starting point if it did happen); delivering on a labour ward rather than MLU/home (and possibly coming in earlier than usual given the speed of your last labour); siting a cannula once you're in labour; pharmacological management of the 3rd stage (drugs to help evict the placenta); having blood cross-matched and quickly available, etc). HTH.

I had a PPH after a ventouse delivery of my first baby. Not as severe as yours as only 1100ml of blood and they were able to manage it in the delivery room. They never said there was a particular reason it happened. Was a bit traumatic but decided if it happens again it happens and didn't let it put me off having another. Had my second baby almost 12 weeks ago and was a very fast and straightforward labour and delivery, no PPH, no intervention, didn't even tear. Because of the previous PPH I was just advised to labour in the birthing pool but to deliver the baby outside the pool just in case and I had a cannula put in place during labour so it was ready if needed. By the time they filled the birthing pool up I was ready to push anyway so didn't even get to go in! Also my community midwife mentioned to me before I had the baby about an injection they can give in labour to reduce the risk of PPH but that never happened or got mentioned at delivery so not sure about that one.