After the placenta is delivered, these contractions help compress the bleeding vessels in the area where the placenta was attached. If the uterus does not contract strongly enough, called uterine atony

, these blood vessels bleed freely and hemorrhage occurs. This is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.

What are the 4 most common causes of postpartum hemorrhage?

The Four T's mnemonic can be used to identify and address the four most common causes of postpartum hemorrhage (uterine atony [Tone]; laceration, hematoma, inversion, rupture [Trauma]; retained tissue or invasive placenta [Tissue]; and coagulopathy [Thrombin]).

How can I prevent hemorrhaging after giving birth?

Uterotonics (such as oxytocin and misoprostol) cause uterine contractions and have long been used to treat uterine atony and reduce the amount of blood lost following childbirth. Use of a uterotonic drug immediately after the delivery of the newborn is one of the most important interventions to prevent PPH.