By
Jenna L. Carter
During my second pregnancy, everything seemed to go smoothly. Like many moms juggling a toddler, I often forgot I was pregnant—distracted by the chaos of #momlife and not feeling overly nauseous this time around. My obstetrician kept reminding me to take good care of myself since I was about to become a mom of two, but I brushed off those suggestions. Carving out time for self-care had become a distant memory.
The Aftermath of Close Births
However, I was unprepared for what happened just days after my baby was born. My older son, Alex, was only thirteen months old, and I had delivered two infants in less than two years. My uterus must have felt more like a worn-out sock than the pear-shaped organ it once was. With two hefty babies and two placentas having passed through, it was no wonder things were a bit chaotic.
Once baby Mia arrived, I thought everything was fine—the placenta was delivered, and we headed home. I was reminded to seek medical advice if I experienced any bleeding larger than a lemon. Thanks, nurses! We were all set.
Overdoing It Too Soon
But now I had two little ones to care for. I didn’t give myself enough time to heal. A few days post-delivery, my mother-in-law came to visit, and we decided to take her out to our favorite chips-and-salsa spot. Riding high on the joy of my new arrival, I felt energized and didn’t want to cook.
Finding parking was always a hassle in that area, and we had to walk across a large field. Joe carried Alex while I insisted on hauling Mia in her bucket seat, thinking she’d be a peaceful little companion during dinner. Since I had been active in my pre-baby life, I figured carrying her wouldn’t be an issue.
When Things Took a Turn
By the time we got home from dinner, I started feeling weird and noticed a heavier flow of bright red bleeding, which I initially dismissed. Mia was sleeping, giving me a brief break from nursing, and I wanted to enjoy a movie with my mother-in-law. Instead, exhaustion hit me, and I decided to lie down to ease my stomach cramps.
Things escalated quickly when I began soaking through pads within an hour. I was passing large clots, including one that was the size of a baseball. Panic set in, and I had Joe take me to urgent care, where they sent me to the ER. After some tests, they discovered I still had a small piece of placenta in my uterus, and I had definitely overdone it with all the lifting and carrying. An IV with fluids and oxytocin helped, and finally, I found myself with an excuse to rest.
Understanding Postpartum Hemorrhage
Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) is a serious condition and one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. It often occurs due to retained placenta, meaning a piece may remain in the uterus after delivery, preventing it from contracting properly and stopping the bleeding. This is what happened to me. My doctor had checked the placenta, but sometimes it can be difficult to account for every piece, especially if the placenta is ragged.
Other causes include uterine atony, which is when the uterus fails to contract effectively, older maternal age, and certain conditions like placenta accreta or twin gestation. If you want to dive deeper into the topic, you can check out our post on understanding Cervidil for induction.
A Close Call
While I didn’t experience a catastrophic loss of blood, PPH can also manifest as moderate bleeding over time. I could have faced serious complications, including needing a transfusion or developing infections, which can escalate to sepsis or even death. If I could rewind the clock, I’d have opted for a baby wrap or asked for a drop-off at the restaurant. Given my retained placental fragment, I likely would have had a severe bleed regardless.
Lessons for Baby #3
By the time our third child arrived, I was far more attuned to my needs. It was essential to let go of the urge to entertain, especially after just giving birth. Hiring a postpartum doula focused on maternal wellness was invaluable. I also made sure to inform my care team about my previous experience with PPH, leading to closer monitoring.
Know the Signs
Common signs of PPH include excessive vaginal bleeding (which can be subjective—don’t hesitate to call for help!), feeling faint, chills, blurred vision, nausea, paleness, or confusion. This condition typically arises within the first day after childbirth but can occur up to 12 weeks postpartum. If you suspect you’re experiencing PPH, don’t hesitate to call 911.
Have you been through PPH? Feel free to share your story in the comments below.
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To learn more about this topic, you can also explore Modern Family Blog.
Summary
Postpartum Hemorrhage is a serious condition that can arise after childbirth, often due to retained placenta or uterine atony. It’s essential for new mothers to know the warning signs and prioritize self-care during the postpartum period. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about excessive bleeding.