OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a set of quality indicators (QIs) relating to the prevention and early management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in maternity wards. The ultimate aim was to use these QIs for hospital comparison and public diffusion of results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2009, COMPAQ-HPST developed a set of five QIs from consensus guidelines with the aid of experts and professional associations, relating to: i) the prevention of PH (three QIs) and ii) the initial management of PPH (two QIs). We also tested a questionnaire about the presence of written protocols in maternity wards. RESULTS: Ninety-seven voluntary maternity wards were included in the study. All five QIs showed wide variations in implementation among hospitals, revealing substantial room for improvement. Results of the questionnaire were variable according to the item considered. CONCLUSION: We validated five process QIs relating to the prevention and early management of PPH. All these five QIs have been transmitted to HAS for nationwide generalization. They should allow hospitals to implement quality of care improvement in this setting, adapted to their individual and comparative results.