The Magnitude and Maternal Outcome of Primary Postpartum Hemorrhage among Mothers Who Received Postnatal Care at Alemata General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study

Background aim: Postpartum hemorrhage continues to be a major cause of maternal mortality and serious morbidity and the majority of cases occur in low and middle-income countries. Data related to postpartum hemorrhage are needed for strategic policy and program development to ensure the implementation of effective interventions for lowering the burden of PPH. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and maternal outcome of primary postpartum hemorrhage.Methods: Institutional-based cross-sectional study using retrospective chartreview design was conducted at Alemata General Hospital northern Ethiopia from 1st -5th January 2020. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured and standardized checklist from one-year records of the mothers and their neonate’s charts, delivery registration logbooks, and operation registration logbooks.  A total of 185 delivery records were selected by systematic sampling method and reviewed. Texts, figures, and tables were used to summarize and present the overall result.Results: This study revealed that the magnitude of postpartum hemorrhage was 16 (8.6%), and the most common cause identified was uterine atony. Moreover, maternal vital sign derangement and anemia were the common complications secondary to postpartum hemorrhage.Conclusion: The magnitude of primary postpartum hemorrhage in the study area was relatively high and it results in serious postpartum morbidities. Uterine atony was found to be the most common cause. To prevent postpartum hemorrhage and accompanying consequences, special attention should be paid to the universal use of active management of the third stage in all labors and early detection and management if a complication arises.