On October 5, 2025, leading reproductive health organisations released new guidelines aimed at transforming how postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is prevented, diagnosed, and treated. The World Health Organization (WHO), along with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and the International Confederation of Midwives, released the new guidelines introducing objective criteria to help identify primary postpartum hemorrhage earlier.WHO Releases New Guidelines For Postpartum HemorrhageAccording to the researchers, even blood loss below the traditional threshold, when accompanied by abnormal vital signs, can indicate a high risk of life-threatening complications. Traditionally, PPH was defined as blood loss of 500 mL or more. The new guidelines suggest that losses of 300 mL or less, when paired with warning signs, should trigger immediate intervention. Early recognition, they note, could save countless lives.PPH, or excessive bleeding after childbirth, remains a leading cause of maternal deaths worldwide. In 2023, roughly 45,000 out of 260,000 maternal deaths were linked to PPH. While strategies to prevent and manage PPH exist, their application has often been inconsistent. These updated guidelines aim to provide clear, evidence-based guidance that can inform national and local health policies, clinical protocols, and programmatic strategies.New Guidelines For Postpartum HemorrhageThe document consolidates 51 recommendations covering prevention, diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, and health system measures. It also emphasises rapid intervention using the E-MOTIVE bundle, which includes:Uterine massageOxytocic drugs to stimulate contractionsTranexamic acid to control bleedingIntravenous fluidsExamination of the vagina and genital tractEscalation of care if bleeding continuesIn rare cases where bleeding persists, the guidelines advise measures such as surgery or blood transfusion to stabilize women until further treatment can be provided.Alongside the guidelines, WHO and partners, including the United Nations Population Fund have developed training and implementation resources. These tools are designed for frontline health workers, offering practical guidance, simulation-based emergency response training, and materials to help implement best practices at national and sub-national levels.Jeremy Farrar, WHO assistant director-general for health promotion and disease prevention, highlighted the purpose of the new guidance: “These guidelines are designed to maximise impact where maternal deaths are highest and resources are limited, helping more women survive childbirth and safely return home to their families.”The world is currently off track to meet Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks a global maternal mortality ratio below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. By improving understanding of PPH causes and advancing timely interventions, health systems can save lives and address deep inequalities in maternal health.From this year onward, October 5 will be observed as World PPH Day, sending a strong message: no woman should die from preventable postpartum hemorrhage. Concerted global efforts to prevent and treat PPH can play a pivotal role in reducing maternal deaths and improving health equity worldwide.