Women from ethnic minority or socially deprived backgrounds at higher risk of postpartum haemorrhage, research finds
Women from ethnic minority backgrounds or areas of high social deprivation are at higher risk of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), according to a new study led by Keele University.
Postpartum haemorrhage is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity around the world, and while individual studies have revealed disparities in outcomes between different groups, there has been a lack of research which looks at PPH risk across a diverse range of groups together.
To address this gap, the researchers looked at the results from 79 different studies spanning 15 high-income countries around the world, which included outcome data for over 169,000,000 women globally. They wanted to further investigate any link between PPH and ethnicity as well as comparing this among different groups, along with any other factors that might increase PPH risk.
Publishing their findings in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, their analysis showed that ethnic minority women were at higher risk of PPH compared to the majority White or European group in these studies.
The data indicated a higher risk of PPH for women in areas of higher social deprivation, with the researchers adding that these findings highlight the need for further work to address these gaps and improve treatment outcomes for all patients.
The work was led by Dr Amy Elsmore as part of her MD research at Keele, with support from colleagues across the UK including Keele’s Professor William Parry-Smith and Professor Pensee Wu.
Dr Elsmore, who now works as a ST6 obstetrics and gynaecology resident doctor at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust, said: “Postpartum haemorrhage is a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality, yet our findings show that women from ethnic minority and socially deprived backgrounds are facing a disproportionately higher risk. This study highlights the urgent need for maternity systems to address these inequities—not just through clinical care, but also through inclusive research, better data, and maternity pathways that are responsive to the needs of all women.”
Professor Wu said: “This study highlights disparities in postpartum haemorrhage, even in high-income countries. Keele University is aiming to tackle maternity inequalities as part of the NIHR maternity disparity consortium.”
Professor Parry-Smith added: “The important findings of this study re-enforce the work that Keele, as part of the NIHR maternity disparities consortium, are aiming to change - there is an urgent need to challenge health inequalities in maternity care.”
