Is PP Hemorrhage usually pretty obvious???

[azzurra29]

HI there,

I'm sorta new to OB nursing but I've been reading up again in my school textbook.

I'd just like to ask all of you whe practice in this clinical setting about PP hemorrhage during the hospital stay (I guess that's considered EARLY pp hemorrahage then right?). I know it probably depends on what's happening like if it's internal bleeding or some hematoma formation versus bleeding out into peripads and saturating those.

Is it more often than not, PP hemorrhage can be caught earlier on (VS, peripads, mental status?) or is it a mixed bag of possibilities? Does it become easier to pick up on PP hemorrhage with more exposure and time? What have your experiences been like/any tips/recommendations/suggestions?

I have to ask because I'm a new grad, still very green and just thinking about PP hemorrhage sends shivers down my spine :uhoh21: (I know I'm not the only one). I may be working in a PP unit and I know that this is the reality so I'm trying to come to terms with that. It's super scary to me and I know patients everywhere in the hospital bleed BUT for some reason this really bothers me. Hmm, maybe I shouldn't be in that unit? I don't know.

Thanks for any comments/feedback. I'm really grateful that these forums exist.

[vandermom]

The uterus i not likely to rupture but I was taught to place one hand at the symphysis t prevent inversion of the uterus.

[vandermom]

Being an "oldie" I have the pleasure of introducing new OB nurses to our unit. It is very hard to teach instinct, "the look" be it the patient arriving in advanced labor or a sick HELLP syndrome or PPH. This thread is going to become required reading for any further newbies. The stories are so on the mark to describe ways we can not miss that silent PPH. hank you all.