Objectives To study the incidence, indications and complications of peripartum hysterectomy. Methods A retrospective analysis of 70 cases of emergency peripartum hysterectomy performed over a period of five years from January 2004 to September 2008. At JN Medical College and Hospital AMU Aligarh was done. Results The incidence of emergency hysterectomy was 0.54%. The main indications were uterine atony 26 (37.12%) and Rupture uterus 19 (26.7%). Thirty six (51.43%) were in the age group of 26-35 years and majority of cases 61 (67.14%) were unbooked. The maternal and perinatal mortality was four (5.7%) and 44 (62.86%) respectively. The average period of hospital stay was 10 days. Conclusion Prompt performance of obstetric hysterectomy before the patient's clinical condition deteriorates is the main key to success and less postoperative complications.