You may prepare yourself for labour and childbirth, but things may not go according to plan. You wait for months to meet your baby, but sometimes the joy of delivery is followed by heavy bleeding. The thought alone can make you afraid of the situation. However, doctors and nurses are fully equipped to manage such situations. You can stay informed about the causes of severe bleeding and how it is managed, so you feel at ease.







What Causes Severe Bleeding During or After Delivery?Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) or severe bleeding after childbirth is a situation in which your body loses more than 500 ml of blood after a vaginal birth or over 1000 ml after a cesarean delivery. It happens due to the following reasons:

• The uterus does not contract properly after delivery, which leads to the pooling of blood


• Tears in the birth canal can cause bleeding


• The placenta's fragments can remain in the uterus


• Blood clotting issues make it harder for blood to clot, causing bleeding.

How Do Doctors Recognise Severe Bleeding Quickly?Doctors continuously monitor your condition in the delivery room so they can address any unexpected emergencies immediately.

• They check how much blood you lose using calibrated pads or measuring containers


• A soft uterus can signal poor contractions, so they check for firmness


• They monitor sudden drops in blood pressure, increased heart rate, or dizziness

Medical professionals can identify unusual bleeding immediately because they know that small changes can also be concerning in some cases.







What Happens First When Heavy Bleeding Starts?A quick action from the medical team can be life-saving when severe bleeding begins. The following checklist can give you a general idea about what they do in such cases.

• A lower belly massage can help the uterus contract and reduce bleeding


• Oxytocin, misoprostol, or ergometrine is given to speed up uterine contractions


• Fluids are given by drip to maintain blood pressure and prevent shock


• Your vitals —heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels —are constantly monitored

What If Medicines and Massage Don’t Work?The initial treatment may not work in some cases, so bleeding may continue. The doctors then move to advanced options.

• Balloon tamponade – A small balloon filled with fluid is placed inside the uterus to apply pressure and stop bleeding


• Surgical procedures – Doctors may tie off blood vessels or perform a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) if bleeding does not get under control in very rare cases


• Blood transfusions – Transfusions quickly restore volume and improve oxygen flow to vital organs if you lose too much blood

How Do Doctors Prevent Severe Bleeding Before It Happens?Most doctors take measures right after birth to avoid heavy bleeding.

• They give oxytocin injections immediately after childbirth to contract the uterus


• They deliver the placenta under supervision


• They check for vaginal tears or retained tissue

What Can You Do to Lower the Risk?You can prepare your body for a safe birthing experience by following the steps listed below:

• Go to your prenatal visits, which allow your doctor to detect anaemia or high blood pressure early


• Eat leafy greens, lentils, red meat, and jaggery to increase your haemoglobin levels


• Stay hydrated to support circulation and blood volume


• Inform your doctor about any warning signs you notice, such as dizziness, fainting, or soaking a pad within an hour after birth

When Should You See a Doctor After Going Home?Heavy bleeding can occur days or weeks after birth, so stay alert even if you get discharged from the hospital. The following signs indicate when it may become an emergency:

• Continuous heavy bleeding or large clots


• Dizziness or weakness


• Severe abdominal pain


• Foul-smelling discharge or fever

What To Do Next: Your Postpartum Safety Checklist

• Maintain a record of your bleeding pattern


• Eat nutritious foods and rest as much as possible


• Stay in touch with your doctor or midwife after discharge


• Ask your partner or family to watch for signs of weakness or dizziness if you feel weak or dizzy


• Do not hesitate to go to the hospital if something feels “off”

Emotional & Social Support Matters TooHeavy bleeding can be challenging for your physical and emotional health. You may feel fearful after such an overwhelming experience. However, you can overcome the fear by talking about it with your partner, family or doctor. Support groups or postnatal counselling can also help you process the experience positively. Emotional recovery is equally important as physical healing after the ordeal of childbirth.







Severe bleeding during childbirth may sound frightening, but modern medical care is well-equipped to handle it. Doctors and nurses act quickly to protect both you and your baby in such situations. They can give you medicines or perform surgical procedures. When you stay informed and aware of the warning signs, you can handle any situation confidently.








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FAQs on How Severe Bleeding Is Controlled in the Delivery Room?

Is it normal to bleed a lot after delivery?

It is normal to bleed for several days after childbirth, which is also called lochia. The concerning problem is when you pass large clots and soak a pad within an hour. It needs to be assessed by the doctor immediately.

Can severe bleeding happen during a C-section?

Bleeding can happen during or after a cesarean delivery, but it is less common. Your doctor will monitor the incision site and your uterus to control it immediately.

What should I do if I start bleeding heavily at home after delivery?

In such cases, seek urgent medical care; call your doctor right away. In the meantime, you can lie down and try to keep your legs elevated if you notice continuous heavy bleeding, dizziness, or fainting.