What is a concerning symptom for postpartum hemorrhage?

Heavy bleeding is a concerning symptom for postpartum hemorrhage because it indicates that there may be an underlying issue with the mother's ability to maintain vascular stability after childbirth. Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as excessive bleeding following delivery, typically quantified as blood loss greater than 500 mL for vaginal births or more than 1,000 mL for cesarean sections. Heavy bleeding can be the result of various factors, including uterine atony, retained placental fragments, or lacerations.

In contrast, a firm fundus is actually a sign that the uterus is contracting effectively and is well positioned, which decreases the risk of hemorrhage. Cramping may occur as the uterus contracts back to its pre-pregnancy size and does not typically indicate hemorrhage on its own. Regular bowel sounds are not related to postpartum hemorrhage and reflect normal gastrointestinal function.

Thus, recognizing heavy bleeding as a sign of potential postpartum hemorrhage is crucial for timely medical intervention and management.