Which complication is characterized by a rapid drop in blood pressure after delivery?

Which complication is characterized by a rapid drop in blood pressure after delivery?

• A. Gestational hypertension
• B. Postpartum hemorrhage
• C. Preeclampsia
• D. Placental abruption

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is postpartum hemorrhage, which is a serious condition characterized by an excessive loss of blood following delivery. This complication can lead to a rapid drop in blood pressure due to significant blood volume loss. When there is more than 500 mL of blood loss in a vaginal delivery or more than 1000 mL in a cesarean delivery, the body may struggle to compensate for the sudden decrease in circulating blood volume, resulting in hypotension. Postpartum hemorrhage can occur for several reasons, including uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract effectively), retained placental tissue, or trauma to the birth canal. The rapid decline in blood pressure often requires immediate medical attention to prevent shock and ensure maternal safety. In contrast, gestational hypertension is related to elevated blood pressure during pregnancy and does not typically cause a drop in pressure after delivery. Preeclampsia involves high blood pressure and potential organ dysfunction during pregnancy but also does not primarily relate to a rapid drop in blood pressure post-delivery. Placental abruption can lead to significant complications, including hemorrhage during pregnancy, but similarly does not specifically characterize the immediate post-delivery scenario of hypotension.

The correct answer is postpartum hemorrhage, which is a serious condition characterized by an excessive loss of blood following delivery. This complication can lead to a rapid drop in blood pressure due to significant blood volume loss. When there is more than 500 mL of blood loss in a vaginal delivery or more than 1000 mL in a cesarean delivery, the body may struggle to compensate for the sudden decrease in circulating blood volume, resulting in hypotension.

Postpartum hemorrhage can occur for several reasons, including uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract effectively), retained placental tissue, or trauma to the birth canal. The rapid decline in blood pressure often requires immediate medical attention to prevent shock and ensure maternal safety.

In contrast, gestational hypertension is related to elevated blood pressure during pregnancy and does not typically cause a drop in pressure after delivery. Preeclampsia involves high blood pressure and potential organ dysfunction during pregnancy but also does not primarily relate to a rapid drop in blood pressure post-delivery. Placental abruption can lead to significant complications, including hemorrhage during pregnancy, but similarly does not specifically characterize the immediate post-delivery scenario of hypotension.