A retrospective analysis of 348 cases of primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) that occurred at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 1996 was carried out. The incidence of PPH was 4.5%. Booking status of the patients had no relation with occurrence of PPH in this study (P > 0.05). The risk of PPH in advanced maternal age (over 35 years) and grandmultiparity (para 5 and over) was twofold higher than low maternal age (< 25 years) and low parity (para 0–1), P < 0.05, respectively. The incidence of PPH was higher in deliveries conducted by midwives than doctors (P < 0.05). Anaemic patients (PCV ⩽ 30%) were more at risk than non-anaemic patients (P < 0.05). Uterine atony, 183 (53.8%) was the most common cause of PPH and a combination of uterotonic agents and uterine massage were effective in controlling PPH in 171 (49.1%) of the cases. Seven (2.0%) patients required hysterectomy. One-third of the patients had a blood transfusion. To reduce the incidence of PPH, we recommend that doctors should supervise the delivery of parturients at risk of PPH and advocate health education against high parity.