Final answer:
The main causes of postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery include uterine atony, lacerations, uterine rupture, and retained placenta.
Step-by-step explanation:
Postpartum hemorrhage refers to excessive bleeding after vaginal delivery. The main causes of postpartum hemorrhage include:
- Uterine atony: This occurs when the uterus fails to contract properly after delivery, leading to excessive bleeding.
- Lacerations: Tears or lacerations in the birth canal or cervix can cause bleeding.
- Uterine rupture: This is a rare but serious complication where the uterus tears during delivery, leading to significant bleeding.
- Retained placenta: If fragments of the placenta remain in the uterus, they can cause postpartum hemorrhage.