Increased postpartum hemorrhage rates in Australia

Objective : To determine whether changes in risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) over time are associated with a rise in postpartum hemorrhage rates. Methods : Population‐based study using linked hospital discharge and birth records from New South Wales, Australia for 752,374 women giving birth, 1994–2002. Analyses include a description of trends and regression analysis of risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage and comparison of predicted and observed rates of postpartum hemorrhage over time. Results : Increasing proportions of women aged 35 years or older, born overseas, nulliparous, having cesarean births, having inductions and/or epidurals, postterm deliveries and large babies were evident. Observed postpartum hemorrhage rates increased from 4.7 to 6.0 per 100 births ( P < 0.001) while expected rates, adjusted for covariates, remained steady ( P = 0.28). Conclusion : Increases in postpartum hemorrhage are not explained by the changing risk profile of women. It may be that changes in management and/or reporting of postpartum hemorrhage have resulted in higher postpartum hemorrhage rates.