postpartum hemorrhage

Postpartum bleeding or postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is significant blood loss following childbirth. It is the most common cause of maternal death worldwide, disproportionately affecting developing countries. Definitions and criteria for diagnosis are highly variable. PPH is defined by the World Health Organization as "blood loss of 500 ml or more within 24 hours after birth", though signs of shock have also been used as a definition. Some bleeding after childbirth is normal and is called lochia.