Women and their partners’ experiences of PPH. Version 1

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    The management of primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH): women and their partners’ experiences. A qualitative study.

  • IRAS ID

    142241

  • Contact name

    Jane Sandall

  • Contact email

    jane.sandall@kcl.ac.uk

  • Research summary

    The UK birth rate is rising, leading to increased numbers of obstetric emergencies. Primary Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) is the term given to the severe loss of blood in first 24 hours after birth. It is very serious, sometimes fatal.
    If this happens it can be traumatic for the woman involved and any lay witnesses, such as a birthing partner. The physical impact on the woman may be negative and long lasting. She may require surgery (such as a hysterectomy) to stop the bleeding, and/or have severe anaemia as a result. The psychological impact can also be severe - it has been reported that some women develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic childbirth. The psychological effect of witnessing obstetric emergencies on birth partners has been little studied.
    There is currently very little research examining the effects of the management of PPH for women and their partners. This exploitative interview study will investigate the experiences of women and their birth-partners. Through active dissemination, the findings will seek to inform and improve midwifery and obstetric practice.

  • REC name

    East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    14/EM/0126

  • Date of REC Opinion

    12 Mar 2014

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion