According to standard definitions used in Indian postgraduate examinations, primary postpartum hemorrhage is blood loss of more than how much from the genital tract following vaginal delivery?

• A More than 300 mL within 12 hours of delivery
• B More than 500 mL within 24 hours of delivery ✓
• C More than 800 mL within 48 hours of delivery
• D More than 1000 mL within 24 hours of delivery

Explanation

Primary PPH is defined as blood loss of 500 mL or more within 24 hours of birth, and 1000 mL or more after cesarean delivery. The 1000 mL figure applies specifically to cesarean births, not vaginal births, which eliminates option D. Secondary PPH is abnormal bleeding from 24 hours after delivery up to 12 weeks postpartum. The 500 mL cutoff within 24 hours is the classic textbook definition and is examined repeatedly.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.