Duodenal ulcer hemorrhage in the puerperium

Hemorrhage from a peptic ulcer during pregnancy is a rare complication that occurs most frequently near term or in the puerperium. A case of massive hematemesis from a duodenal ulcer on the third puerperal day is described. Emergency surgery with vagotomy and pyloroplasty was performed. The mother had no symptoms of peptic ulceration until the onset of mild abdominal pain 4 days before delivery.