Literature Review: Risk Factors Associated with Postpartum Hemorrhage

Abstract

Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal death worldwide, influenced by various maternal and obstetric risk factors. This literature review aims to describe the risk factors associated with postpartum hemorrhage. This literature review employed a literature review method. A systematic search was conducted using a computerized search of articles published between 2021 and 2025 using the Google Scholar database. A total of 15 articles were searched and 10 articles were found that were in accordance with the topic of this literature review. Only articles with a quantitative design and full text were included in this analysis. Key data were searched using the PICO (Population Intervention Compare Outcome) technique. Results of this study was of the 15 articles searched, 10 matched the topic of this literature review. These 10 articles showed several factors consistently associated with postpartum hemorrhage, including age, parity, anemia, placenta previa, prolonged labor, and labor induction. Additionally, other factors such as retained placenta, uterine atony, birth canal lacerations, and placental abruption are also direct causes contributing to postpartum hemorrhage. Meanwhile, pregnancy spacing and parity have shown inconsistent results in several studies, influenced by differences in respondent characteristics. Preeclampsia has also been shown to increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage through vascular and coagulation system disorders. Conclusion of this study was ostpartum hemorrhage is a multifactorial condition that requires special attention in prevention and management. Early identification of risk factors and appropriate management during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period are crucial to reducing the incidence and complications of postpartum hemorrhage.