delayed postpartum hemorrhage, hemorrhage occurring later than 24 hours after giving birth. It is most often caused by retained fragments of the placenta, a laceration of the cervix or vagina that was not discovered or was not completely sutured, or subinvolution of the placental site within the uterus. Characteristics of delayed postpartum hemorrhage are heavy bleeding and signs of impending shock and anemia. The cause is diagnosed and treated. A laceration is closed with suture, retained fragments of placenta are removed, infection is treated with antibiotics, or the relaxed uterus is caused to contract by the administration of ergonovine (Ergotrate) or oxytocin.
