When a woman gives birth, she expects to cradle her baby with joy and relief. But for thousands of mothers across Africa, childbirth is followed by a dangerous complication: Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) — the leading cause of maternal death in low-income countries.
What is Postpartum Haemorrhage?
Postpartum Haemorrhage refers to excessive bleeding after childbirth. It is defined as:
- Losing more than 500ml of blood after a vaginal birth
- Losing more than 1,000ml after a cesarean section
PPH usually occurs within 24 hours of delivery (primary PPH) but can also happen later, up to 6 weeks after birth (secondary PPH).
Why Does It Happen?
The most common causes of PPH — summarized by the “4 Ts” — include:
- Tone – Uterine atony (the uterus fails to contract)
- Tissue – Retained placenta or membranes
- Trauma – Tears in the uterus, cervix, or vagina
- Thrombin – Blood clotting disorders
In many cases, PPH is preventable and treatable, but lack of timely care often leads to severe outcomes.
The Numbers: A Crisis in Maternal Health
Globally, PPH affects about 5% of all deliveries, but in sub-Saharan Africa, it is far more common and deadly due to limited access to emergency care.
- An estimated 14 million women experience PPH every year
- PPH causes nearly 70,000 maternal deaths annually, accounting for 27% of all maternal deaths worldwide
- In Africa, maternal mortality is over 200 times higher than in high-income countries
In Nigeria, 34% of all maternal deaths are linked to postpartum bleeding. In Ghana, it’s a leading cause of death for women during or shortly after childbirth.
Warning Signs Every Woman Should Know
PPH may occur suddenly and progress quickly. Warning signs include:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour)
- Large blood clots
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure
- Pale, cold, or clammy skin
Prevention and What You Can Do
PPH is preventable. Here’s how women, families, and communities can act:
- Attend all prenatal visits – to monitor for risk factors
- Give birth with trained professionals – preferably in a hospital or clinic
- Ask about active management of third stage labor (AMTSL) – this includes giving uterotonic drugs like oxytocin
- Seek emergency help if heavy bleeding occurs post-delivery
Governments and healthcare systems must also:
- Equip clinics with essential drugs (e.g., oxytocin, misoprostol)
- Train more skilled birth attendants and midwives
- Improve access to emergency obstetric care
- Encourage blood donation systems for emergencies
Real Stories, Real Risks
Mary, a 29-year-old mother in Accra, Ghana, almost lost her life due to PPH. “I started bleeding heavily minutes after my baby arrived. Luckily, the midwife acted fast and gave me an injection. I survived — but not everyone does,” she shares.
What Just4WomenAfrica Is Doing
At Just4WomenAfrica, we are committed to raising awareness about postpartum haemorrhage and advocating for better maternal healthcare across the continent. We encourage our readers to:
- Share this article to save a life
- Support local health centers and midwives
- Demand investment in women’s health from policymakers
In Conclusion
Postpartum haemorrhage is preventable, treatable, and yet still killing thousands of African mothers each year. We must not accept this as normal. Every woman deserves a safe birth and the chance to raise her child. Let’s keep the conversation going — and the support growing.
