[Postpartum hemorrhage]

Postpartum hemorrhage, frequently due to uterine atony, is an important cause of maternal death and morbidity. The knowledge of causes, of antenatal and intrapartum risk factors and of physiopathological changes in hemodynamics and coagulation during pregnancy are essential for the management of the condition. At the present time, many efforts are made to organize a multidisciplinary approach to this complication of delivery involving clinical and laboratory staffs, since the rapid correction of hypovolemia, the diagnosis and treatment of defective coagulation, the surgical and pharmacological control of bleeding are mandatory. Several medical options have been developed and the surgical management includes traditional and newer conservative procedures with variable success rates. The developments in the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage may reduce hysterectomy that is to be considered the last resort to resolve the hemorrhage in some cases. In the modern management of postpartum hemorrhage protocols and guidelines should be available in every delivery room.