Postpartum Hemorrhage: What Black Women Need to Know

The maternal health crisis in the United States continues to make headlines, with alarming statistics placing the country as having the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income nations. A leading cause of this crisis is postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), a condition that disproportionately affects Black women. BlackDoctor.org spoke with Organon Health Partner and board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Dr. Kameelah Phillips to discuss why understanding PPH’s dangers, risk factors, and impact is vital for empowering Black mothers to advocate for their health and well-being. What Is Postpartum Hemorrhage and Why Is It So Dangerous? PPH refers to excessive blood loss following childbirth, typically more than 500 mL after a vaginal birth or 1,000 mL after a cesarean delivery. For context, this is equivalent to losing nearly three 12 oz. cans of soda—a volume that is five times more than what the American Red Cross deems as life-threatening. “PPH is dangerous for mothers because its impact can be long-lasting. I’ve seen firsthand that it can have severe short- and long-term physical, mental, and financial implications. And, unfortunately, in some cases, PPH can be life-threatening,” Dr. Phillips shares.  Why PPH Is Dangerous 1. Immediate Impacts PPH can lead to life-threatening complications such as low blood pressure,...