What assessment may indicate postpartum hemorrhage following birth?

The assessment indicating postpartum hemorrhage following birth is characterized by pale skin and fatigue. After childbirth, a woman's body undergoes significant changes, including the loss of blood. When postpartum hemorrhage occurs, which is often defined as the loss of more than 500 milliliters of blood after a vaginal delivery or more than 1000 milliliters after a cesarean section, one of the primary signs is the body's response to reduced blood volume.

Pale skin results from diminished blood flow and the body's efforts to maintain oxygenation to vital organs. Fatigue occurs because the body is trying to cope with the significant blood loss, leading to reduced energy levels. These symptoms are critical indicators that warrant immediate evaluation and intervention to prevent severe complications, including shock.

In contrast, increased blood pressure is not typically associated with postpartum hemorrhage; instead, it might initially remain normal or even drop. Exterior vaginal tears could occur after childbirth; however, they do not directly indicate hemorrhage. Severe abdominal cramps after delivery can be normal as the uterus contracts, but they are not definitive indicators of postpartum hemorrhage without accompanying symptoms like the aforementioned pale skin and fatigue.