What are the two types of maternal hemorrhage during pregnancy?

Maternal hemorrhage during pregnancy can be categorized into two main types: antepartum hemorrhage and postpartum hemorrhage. Antepartum hemorrhage refers to bleeding that occurs before the onset of labor, typically during the pregnancy itself. This can be caused by various conditions, including placental abruption, placenta previa, or vasa previa, and it poses significant risks to both the mother and the fetus.

Postpartum hemorrhage, on the other hand, occurs after the delivery of the baby. It is characterized by excessive bleeding usually within the first 24 hours following childbirth but can occur up to 6 weeks postpartum. Causes of postpartum hemorrhage often include uterine atony, retained placental tissue, or lacerations.

Understanding the distinction between these two types is crucial for management and intervention strategies in obstetrics, as they require different approaches and have different implications for maternal and neonatal health.