Improving the prevention, detection, and management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) – defined as blood loss of 500 ml or more within 24 hours following vaginal birth, or 1000 ml following a Cesarean section (CS) – can save lives. Even when women survive PPH, it can cause lasting effects including severe anemia, renal failure, infertility, and mental health complications.   In recent years, increased numbers of facility births, refined methods of PPH prevention and treatment, and the fact that most PPH care can be delivered at primary health care level, has offered a renewed focus on PPH.  The latest evidence point to promising approaches, including a bundled approach to treatment that follows a standardized, simplified algorithm which has shown promise as has a heat-stable uterotonic.  An improved understanding of the factors contributing to PPH outcomes, including investing more in the data collection process, tracking key related indicators, and evaluating near misses, is also critical to improving the quality of PPH care so that all women and their newborns have the best chances of surviving birth, and thriving in the years that follow. 

This page includes a curated list of select resources presenting key evidence on uterotonic agents for the treatment of PPH, uterine balloon tamponade to treat PPH, the importance of ensuring medication quality, and PPH care bundles – with additional resources to be added on an ongoing basis.

This page suggests select tools, resources, and packages to support country implementation of key PPH approaches.

This section includes a select set of World Health Organization global recommendations and guidance on PPH.

This page includes information and links for additional partners, forums, or resources for continued debate, discussion, and learning about postpartum hemorrhage. The page currently includes a community of practice – blog posts and commentaries will be added in the future.