Pre-natal risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage in a district in Zimbabwe: A case-control study

Abstract

Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH), a common complication of childbirth, is a global public health concern which is responsible for the majority of global maternal deaths. Causes of PPH include uterine atony, over-distended uterus, multiple pregnancies, infection and hypertension. Risk factors to develop PPH include a previous history of PPH, maternal age and anaemia. The risk factors for PPH have been studied extensively and the majority of these studies have been conducted in high income countries. The risk factors for PPH have not been extensively studied in Zimbabwe. This study aimed to determine the pre-natal risk factors for PPH for women who underwent vaginal delivery at Beitbridge District Hospital from January 2018 to December 2019.