Reported cases of extreme blood loss during or after childbirth have been on the rise in Alaska over the past eight years, leading state health officials to announce an education initiative for healthcare providers. The cases, known as obstetric hemorrhage, involve the loss of at least 1,000 milliliters of blood during pregnancy or within 24 hours of giving birth, and can have serious long-term health consequences.
According to a bulletin issued by the Alaska Division of Public Health, reported rates of obstetric hemorrhage increased from 7.9% to 9% of hospital deliveries between 2016-2019 and 2020-2023. The highest rates were observed in the southwestern and northern parts of the state.
A new campaign led by the Alaska Perinatal Quality Collaborative will focus on both prevention and treatment of obstetric hemorrhage by promoting evidence-based change ideas for healthcare facilities. The initiative aims to standardize care, improve outcomes, and enhance readiness of healthcare providers across the state.
While Alaska has seen fewer than five bleeding-related maternal deaths in the past five years, an increase in hemorrhage cases in recent years has prompted the launch of the AKPQC initiative. Most pregnancy-related deaths in the state are from trauma, with domestic violence being a prominent factor.
Nationally, rates of hemorrhage after childbirth have been on the rise over the past two decades. A recent study by the National Institutes of Health showed an increase from 2.7% to 4.3% in postpartum hemorrhage rates from 2000 to 2019.
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Photo credit alaskabeacon.com
