Is postpartum bleeding normal ?

Bleeding after delivery of your baby is normal. After the placenta separates from the uterus , it exposes open blood vessels at the area where it was attached. These blood vessels begin to bleed into the uterus. The uterus continues to contract after delivery of the baby. These contractions closes off the blood vessels thereby drastically reducing the bleeding.

The first 2 days of postpartum bleeding may be so heavy that you may need to use a hospital grade pad. As bleeding reduces, you  may switch to regular commercial pads. You may also pass small blood clots occasionally.

Postpartum bleeding is heaviest right after delivery. When you bring baby home, bleeding may continue. This may be because you are too tired . At this point you need to relax and take it easy.

What is lochia ?

Lochia is a bloody vaginal discharge right after you deliver. During the first couple of days after delivery, it will look more reddish . This will turn into pinkish within a week and then a yellow-whitish discharge  after about 10 days. Lochia may last for a couple of weeks to a month and may come and go for about 2 months. You may pass a few blood clots as well. You should not use tampons during this period. Use pads and change it every 4 hours to prevent infection and irritation.

It is advisable to not have sex until lochia is almost gone. If you experience pain during sex, wait  a few days, your body is still healing.

When should I see a doctor ?

When you start bleeding again after lochia has already lightened up, you may need to take it easy. After you have relaxed , if  bleeding does not stop you need to see your doctor. You should also go  to the hospital if :

• lochia has foul discharge
• you have fever or chills
• lochia is bright red four days after delivery
• you are experiencing abnormal heavy bleeding . This includes soaking a sanitary pad in an hour or having blood clots bigger than a golf ball