What condition might increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage?

Multiple gestation is a significant factor that can increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage due to several physiological changes and complications associated with carrying more than one fetus. When a woman is pregnant with multiples, the uterus becomes larger and overstretched, which can lead to issues with uterine tone and contraction strength after delivery.

Following the birth of the babies, if the uterus does not contract effectively, it can fail to clamp down on the blood vessels where the placenta was attached, leading to excessive bleeding. Additionally, there tends to be a higher likelihood of retained placental fragments in cases of multiple gestation, which can also contribute to postpartum hemorrhage.

While low blood pressure, hydration issues, and advanced maternal age can all have implications for maternal health, they do not have the same direct relationship with the mechanics of postpartum hemorrhage as multiple gestation does.