The STOP Study is the first of it’s kind to be set up England, and aims to look at all postpartum haemorrhages (PPH) that occur at St Thomas’ Hospital, London and Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford, Kent.  Following this initial study, there may be scope to extend it to all hospitals in England, however this is dependent on results.

Background

According to the World Health Organisation, PPH is defined as “the loss of 500 mls or more of blood from the genital tract within 24 hours of the birth of a baby”

Worldwide, PPH is a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity.  In the UK we are concerned with a reduction in morbidity, as mortality rates are very low.