Will I still be able to have children after embolisation?

In many cases, fertility is preserved because the uterus is not removed. Many women have gone on to have successful pregnancies after embolisation.

How quickly does embolisation stop postpartum bleeding?

Bleeding control is often immediate once the embolisation procedure has been completed.

Is embolisation safer than emergency hysterectomy?

For suitable candidates, embolisation regularly carries lower risk than emergency hysterectomy and allows for faster recovery.

Postpartum Bleeding Embolisation: Treatment Beyond UFE

Few things compare to the miracle of bringing new life into the world. Yet alongside its beauty comes the very real risk of complications. One of the most serious is postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) (excessive bleeding after childbirth) which remains a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. The Global Maternal Mortality Ratio (GMMR) in 2023 was estimated at 197 deaths per 100,000 live births. While this figure has improved since 2000, many of these deaths are preventable with timely, effective intervention.

Postpartum bleeding embolisation is one such life-saving treatment. Postpartum hemorrhage embolisation offers a minimally invasive, fertility-preserving alternative when severe bleeding occurs after delivery and does not respond to medication or standard surgical measures.

In this article, we explore uterine artery embolisation for postpartum hemorrhage, how it works, when it’s recommended, what recovery involves, and why arterial embolisation postpartum is increasingly recognised as a critical tool in modern obstetric care.

What is Postpartum Bleeding Embolisation?

Postpartum bleeding embolisation is a specialised image-guided procedure performed by an interventional radiologist to stop uncontrolled bleeding after childbirth.

It involves:

Identifying the exact blood vessels responsible for the hemorrhage
Carefully blocking those vessels using tiny particles or coils
Preserving the uterus and surrounding organs whenever possible

This approach is particularly valuable when:

Uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract) persists
There is placental abnormality (e.g. placenta accreta)
Surgical management has failed or poses high risk
Fertility preservation is a priority

Embolisation after childbirth can control bleeding without removing the uterus unlike emergency hysterectomy.

If you suffer from fibroids and would like to learn more about embolisation & fertility, you may be interested in reading UFE & Future Pregnancies.

How Does Uterine Artery Embolisation for Postpartum Hemorrhage Work?

The procedure is performed in a specialised radiology suite using real-time imaging guidance.

Step-by-Step Overview

Access: A small incision is made in the groin or wrist to access an artery.
Catheter Navigation: A thin catheter is guided into the uterine arteries using X-ray imaging.
Identification of Bleeding: Contrast dye highlights the source of hemorrhage.
Embolisation: Tiny embolic materials are injected to block the bleeding vessel.
Confirmation: Imaging confirms that blood flow to the bleeding site has stopped.

The entire procedure typically takes 30–90 minutes, depending on complexity. Because the procedure is targeted, surrounding tissue continues to receive blood supply through collateral vessels.

When Is Arterial Embolisation Postpartum Recommended?

Postpartum hemorrhage embolisation is usually considered when:

Blood loss exceeds 500 ml after vaginal delivery or 1000 ml after Caesarean section
Bleeding does not respond to uterotonics (medications that stimulate contraction)
Surgical interventions are high-risk or unsuccessful
The patient is haemodynamically stable enough for transfer to radiology

It can also be used preventatively in high-risk cases, such as known placental invasion disorders. Early referral significantly improves outcomes.

Success Rates and Clinical Outcomes

Multiple studies report success rates of 85–98% in controlling postpartum hemorrhage with embolisation. In many tertiary care centres, it is now considered a first-line intervention after medical therapy fails.

Benefits include:

Rapid control of bleeding
Reduced need for hysterectomy
Preservation of fertility
Shorter hospital stays
Lower complication rates compared to major surgery

Importantly, many women go on to have successful future pregnancies following embolisation after childbirth.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery from postpartum bleeding embolisation is generally quicker than recovery from open surgery.

Most patients experience:

Mild pelvic cramping for 24–48 hours
Fatigue related to blood loss
A short hospital stay for monitoring

Patients are typically mobilised within a day. Follow-up imaging or consultation ensures proper healing and uterine recovery.

Risks and Considerations

As with any medical procedure, arterial embolisation postpartum carries some risks, although serious complications are rare.

Potential risks include:

Infection
Temporary fever (post-embolisation syndrome)
Non-target embolisation (rare)
Temporary menstrual irregularities

Complication rates remain low when performed by experienced interventional radiologists.

Why Postpartum Bleeding Embolisation Matters

Postpartum hemorrhage is often sudden and life-threatening. Having access to minimally invasive treatment options dramatically improves survival rates and long-term quality of life.

Postpartum bleeding embolisation represents a shift in obstetric emergency care:

From radical surgery
To targeted, fertility-preserving intervention
Delivered through advanced image-guided therapy

This means surviving a life-threatening complication while retaining the possibility of future pregnancies for many women.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is postpartum hemorrhage embolisation painful?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation. Discomfort is usually mild and manageable.

Will I still be able to have children?

In many cases, yes. Fertility preservation is one of the major advantages compared to hysterectomy.

How quickly does it stop the bleeding?

Bleeding control is often immediate once the embolisation is completed.

Is it safer than surgery?

Embolisation regularly carries a lower risk than emergency hysterectomy and involves faster recovery for suitable candidates.

When Every Minute Counts

Severe bleeding after childbirth can escalate rapidly. Access to experienced interventional radiology services can make the difference between life-threatening complications and a safe recovery.

Speak to a specialist in postpartum bleeding embolisation if you or a loved one has experienced severe postpartum bleeding or would like to learn more about minimally invasive treatment options.

Contact the Minima Radiology team today if you’d like to understand whether postpartum hemorrhage embolisation is right for you. Our interventional radiology specialists are ready to provide expert guidance and compassionate care when it matters most.