Third-stage hemorrhage

This code signifies excessive blood loss occurring after the delivery of the placenta, but within 24 hours postpartum. It specifically refers to a hemorrhage that happens during the third stage of labor, which is the period from the birth of the infant to the complete expulsion of the placenta. This condition can lead to significant maternal morbidity if not promptly managed.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a postpartum hemorrhage that occurred during the third stage of labor. This typically involves blood loss exceeding 500 mL for a vaginal delivery or 1000 mL for a cesarean section, occurring after placental delivery. Documentation should specify the timing of the hemorrhage relative to placental expulsion.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states the hemorrhage occurred after placental delivery and within 24 hours postpartum to differentiate from primary or secondary postpartum hemorrhage.
• Do not confuse with O72.1 (Other immediate postpartum hemorrhage) which occurs within the first 24 hours but is not specifically tied to the third stage.
• Always sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it complicates another condition.