Bleeding: Top cause of maternal deaths

PPH is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the world. [iStockphoto]

Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) is a condition in which a woman suffers from excessive bleeding after giving birth. This can happen immediately after delivery or even up to 6 weeks later.

"Some blood loss will occur at childbirth but anything higher than 500ml of blood (for vaginal birth) or 1,000ml (for Caesarean Section) is considered excessive," says Dr Ruth Wamae, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist.