Abstract

This paper is based on the findings from research undertaken collaboratively between the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit and the University of Portsmouth over a 3-year period (1995-1997). The research was known as the BLIPP Studies (Blood Loss in the Postnatal Period) and was made possible by funding from the South and West Research and Development Committee. Information about vaginal loss for the period of 24 hours to three months postpartum was obtained from a survey of 350 women who recorded details about their vaginal loss over this time. This information was then used to describe the normal ranges for the colour, amount and duration of postnatal vaginal blood loss over the same time period. Further information was obtained from a case control study that reviewed women's case records throughout pregnancy and postpartum midwifery care to identify factors associated with women being admitted to hospital for abnormal vaginal loss or uterine infection in the first 12 weeks postpartum. It was considered that such information would be of use to women and health care professionals. To explore whether this was the case and how this information could best be used in practice, women were invited to attend one of a series of focus groups to explore the development of an information leaflet about postpartum vaginal loss. These leaflets were then pilot-tested in anticipation of future work that would evaluate their clinical effectiveness. The research took place in two health districts in the South West Region during 1997.