As a leading cause of maternal mortality, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a serious issue that affects mothers and families around the world. In fact, PPH is responsible for nearly 27% of all maternal deaths, according to the World Health Organization. That's why the development of technologies like Vasowatch, which can quickly and accurately diagnose PPH, is so important.
So why is PPH such a critical issue in maternal health, and how can early detection help save lives?
First, it's important to understand what PPH is. PPH is defined as a loss of more than 500 milliliters of blood within 24 hours of giving birth. There are several risk factors that can increase a woman's likelihood of experiencing PPH, including a history of PPH, a multiple pregnancy, and a prolonged labor. When PPH occurs, it can lead to serious complications, including anemia, shock, and even death.
That's why early detection is so critical. When PPH is detected early, healthcare providers can take steps to manage the bleeding and prevent further complications.
However, detecting PPH can be a challenge. Currently, healthcare providers typically rely on visual assessments and manual measurements to determine if a woman is experiencing PPH. These methods can be time-consuming and imprecise, and may not always detect PPH early enough to prevent serious complications.
That's where technologies like Vasowatch come in. By detecting PPH early, Vasowatch can help healthcare providers take action before complications occur, potentially saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.
In addition to the obvious benefits for patients and families, early detection of PPH can also have economic benefits. According to a study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, early detection and management of PPH can reduce the cost of care by as much as $5,000 per patient.