Frequency of Postpartum Hemorrhage after Elective Cesarean Section and Emergency Cesarean Section

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage is a common cause of both maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide and is frequent following cesarean delivery. Prevalence is affected by both maternal and procedural elements and is often greater with emergency cesarean deliveries. Identification of incidence and determinants of postpartum hemorrhage is of primary importance and guides preventive strategies at the level of clinical practice. Objective: To determine the frequency of postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean section and to compare its occurrence between elective and emergency cesarean deliveries. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: The study was conducted from June 2024 to November 2024 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan. Methodology: A total of 135 women aged 18–40 years undergoing cesarean delivery were included through non-probability consecutive sampling. Baseline demographic data including maternal age, gestational age, parity, body mass index, socioeconomic status, residence, occupation, and education were recorded. Cesarean sections were performed by obstetricians with at least one year of postgraduate experience. Postpartum hemorrhage was defined as blood loss exceeding 1000 ml within 24 hours, measured using standardized gravimetric methods. Results: The mean maternal age was 30.27±6.16 years, and mean gestational age was 38.47±1.74 weeks. Postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 19.3% (26/135) of patients. Elective cesarean section had a lower frequency (8.0%) compared to emergency procedures (25.9%), with statistical significance (p=0.012). Gestational age ≤39 weeks and secondary-level education were also significantly associated with higher rates of postpartum hemorrhage. Conclusion: Postpartum hemorrhage is more frequent following emergency cesarean section compared to elective procedures.