Postpartum hemorrhage: its causes and methods of prevention to protect mothers
Professor Sharifa Al-Subaiani, President of the Scientific Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology at King Abdulaziz University, issued a critical medical warning, emphasizing that postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Dr. Al-Subaiani explained that the danger of this type of hemorrhage lies in its sudden onset and rapid progression, necessitating maximum medical preparedness from the earliest stages of pregnancy, rather than waiting until labor and delivery.
A silent and sudden danger: Why is postpartum hemorrhage the biggest concern for doctors?
Historically, childbirth complications, particularly severe bleeding, have posed a major challenge to healthcare systems throughout the ages. Despite tremendous advancements in modern medicine, postpartum hemorrhage remains a significant concern for the World Health Organization and international medical bodies, as it often occurs without warning. Medical studies confirm that rapid intervention within the first hour after delivery can mean the difference between life and death, highlighting the importance of having clear and readily available treatment protocols in all healthcare facilities to effectively manage emergencies.
Scientific protocols and national initiatives to promote maternal health
In an effort to mitigate these risks, Dr. Sharifa Al-Subyani highlighted the pivotal role of the Scientific Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, affiliated with King Abdulaziz University, in developing national guidelines based on scientific evidence. These guidelines include rigorous protocols that begin with early assessment of the pregnant woman's condition and identification of risk factors, and extend to urgent and advanced medical intervention when necessary.
Regarding field initiatives, the head of the association reviewed the 'My Eyes Are Closer' initiative in Jeddah Governorate, which aims to educate and raise awareness among pregnant women about major health challenges such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, premature birth, and sudden bleeding, in order to provide the necessary psychological support and care for new mothers.
Psychological and economic dimensions: From postpartum depression to care costs
Awareness efforts were not limited to the physical aspect alone, but extended to include the psychological and economic dimensions associated with pregnancy and childbirth complications. In this context, Dr. Al-Subyani pointed to the extensive awareness campaigns in the Eastern Province, in partnership with medical students, which focused on warning against the health, psychological, and economic repercussions of premature birth, and the exorbitant costs it imposes for the care of premature infants in neonatal intensive care units.
The association also gave exceptional attention to raising awareness of 'postpartum depression', to ensure early detection and therapeutic intervention, and to strengthen the psychological and social stability of the mother and family, which reflects positively on society as a whole and reduces the burdens on the local and regional health system.
Lifeline: Regular monitoring is the first line of defense
In closing, Dr. Sharifa Al-Subyani made a firm and direct appeal to all women, urging them not to limit their hospital visits to the time of delivery. She emphasized that strict adherence to regular prenatal care throughout pregnancy, and addressing any emerging health issues such as anemia, represents the true "lifeline" and the first line of defense for ensuring a safe delivery and a stable, risk-free motherhood.
