What is a potential risk factor associated with excessive bleeding after delivery?

Excessive bleeding after delivery, also known as postpartum hemorrhage, can be significantly influenced by placental issues. One of the primary concerns in this context is the retention of part or all of the placenta after childbirth, which can lead to continued bleeding. Conditions such as placenta previa or placental abruption can also contribute to the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. These issues disrupt the normal mechanisms that control bleeding after the placenta is delivered, making it a critical factor in assessing and managing postpartum complications.

While infection, preeclampsia, and multiple gestations can be associated with other risks during and after delivery, they do not directly lead to excessive bleeding in the same way that placental problems do. Infection can cause complications post-delivery, but it does not specifically relate to the immediate risk of excessive bleeding right after birth. Similarly, preeclampsia primarily affects blood pressure and can lead to other serious conditions during pregnancy, rather than directly causing bleeding after delivery. Multiple gestations can increase risks related to the pregnancy and delivery process but are not as directly tied to postpartum hemorrhage as placental issues are.