Late postpartum hemorrhage occurs in which timeframe after delivery?

• A. Within 24 hours of delivery
• B. More than 24 hours but less than 6 weeks
• C. After 6 weeks
• D. Before delivery

Answer: (B)

Late postpartum hemorrhage is defined as bleeding that starts after the first 24 hours following delivery and before six weeks postpartum. This timing helps clinicians distinguish causes and guide management: late PPH is often due to subinvolution of the placental site, retained products, or infection, whereas bleeding within the first 24 hours is usually from immediate obstetric issues like uterine atony or trauma. The other options don’t fit because within 24 hours describes early postpartum hemorrhage, after 6 weeks is beyond the postpartum window, and before delivery isn’t postpartum at all.