The Truth About Bleeding After Childbirth

What to expect from postpartum bleeding, with tips on how to manage bleeding after childbirth so it doesn’t take over your life.

 

Is Postpartum Bleeding Normal?

 

After giving birth most women will have vaginal bleeding for up to 6 weeks. This is perfectly normal and continues until the lining of your womb is renewed.

 

You won’t just bleed after a vaginal delivery. Bleeding after Caesarian delivery is normal as it is caused by the placenta tearing blood vessels in the womb and not from trauma in the vagina. It is not your first period after having your baby.

 

Bleeding after birth, or lochia which is its medial name will vary in quantity and colour throughout this time. You may also notice some small blood clots after you give birth. This usually happens if you have been lying down for a while, causing the blood to collect.

 

 

There are certain factors which affect how much you bleed after childbirth.

 

• If your are breastfeeding your baby then the increased hormones you will produce may cause you to bleed slightly more.

• Increased physical activity may cause a heavier blood loss.

• Constipation and increased straining may cause you to pass more blood.

 

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On the first day of bleeding after birth the blood loss will be bright red or a brown/red colour. It will most likely be like a heavy period with possibly a few clots being passed.

 

For the rest of the first week postpartum,this will change to dark red blood. The blood loss should gradually decrease and you may now only pass a few, very small clots.

 

In the second week your postpartum bleeding will continue to decrease, although you may get extra blood loss after physical activity or after a feed (if you are breastfeeding). The colour of the blood will get lighter, but may become more red or a brighter pink if you are very active.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the next 2 weeks, if you still have bleeding it should be continuing to decrease. The colour will be much lighter and may be a creamy colour at times. You may begin to have longer periods with no bleeding at all.

 

4 to 6 weeks postpartum your bleeding will most likely be a light brown or creamy colour. Your bleeding will be much lighter and may not occur every day.

 

 

 

 

 

• Don’t use tampons. Inserting anything into your vagina will increase the risk of pain and infection. Use maternity pads  which are made to take the heavy blood flow. Change them regularly to prevent infection.

• Take extreme care with your personal hygiene during this time. Wash frequently down below due prevent bad bacteria and lower the risk of infection.

• Try and rest as much as possible. Relaxing and putting your feet up will reduce abdominal pain and blood flow.

• A hot water bottle should ease any cramps you may have.

• Invest in some postpartum underwear. These will protect against leaks and will save you potentially spoiling your own.

• Use a disposable waterproof pad at night. This will protect your mattress and sheets from any leaks that may occur. In the first few days it may be necessary to place them on chairs too.

• Avoid having sex for 6 weeks after your baby is born. Having sex too early could cause a lot of pain and discomfort. It may also cause vaginal tears and possible damage to the uterus as well as increasing the risk of infection.

• Increasing your iron intake will help replenish your blood count after childbirth. However don’t take iron supplements unless prescribed by your doctor. Instead eat an iron rich diet, including red meat, beans, lentils, and green vegetables.

• Empty your bladder as often as possible. This will help to contract the uterus, reducing pain and blood loss. You may find that you may not feel the need to pee (this can be normal postpartum) so ensure you visit the toilet on a regular basis.

It is important that you know what is not normal when it comes to bleeding after childbirth and what could be a postpartum hemorrhage. Here are the symptoms you should be looking out for.

• Passing large blood clots (bigger than golf balls).

• Pain in the vaginal area.

• Feeling faint, which could be a sign of low blood pressure.

• A fever of over 100.4 degrees.

• Foul smelling discharge.

• Extremely heavy bleedingafter birth. Having to change a pad every hour.

• Postpartum bleeding after 6 weeks.

Please consult your doctor if you have any of these warning signs.