Silent danger after home delivery: postpartum vulvovaginal hematoma in a ressource limited setting – A case report

Abstract

Postpartum vulvovaginal haematomas are uncommon but potentially life-threatening causes of early postpartum morbidity, often resulting from unrecognized vascular injury during childbirth. Risk is increased in low-resource settings where deliveries occur without skilled attendance. We report a 30-year-old multiparous woman who delivered at home and presented two hours later with severe vulvovaginal pain, swelling, and haemodynamic instability. Examination revealed a 10-cm right vulvovaginal haematoma with a second-degree perineal tear. Prompt resuscitation, surgical drainage of 600 mL of clotted blood, and perineal repair led to favorable recovery. Early recognition and timely management are crucial to prevent maternal morbidity.