Vaginal Bleeding After Delivery | Modasta

Your womb has been a haven for your growing baby in all those nine months of pregnancy. You had stopped menstruating (shedding of the uterus lining) to build a nutritious and cosy environment for the foetus. Once you had delivered your child, your uterus starts rolling back to the non-pregnant state. The very first thing that it does is to get rid of the now unwanted uterus lining.rnThis shedding of the uterus lining comes out of the body in the form of the vaginal bleeding, very similar to heavy periods. It is known as ‘lochia’ in medical terms and can last for 2-6 weeks. Lochia contains the uterus lining made up of blood, white blood cells and mucous. In the Indian subcontinent, this period is of 40 days duration, wherein the mother and the baby are given special treatment and mostly kept in isolation. How normal is it?rnVaginal bleeding after delivery is a natural process of cleaning the uterus. Women, who have had a vaginal delivery, bleed a little more than the women with a C-section. The bleeding is usually heavy in the first few days but starts diminishing and may stop altogether by the end of the six weeks.rnIn case, the blood loss is quite heavy (500 ml following a vaginal delivery and 1000 ml following a Caesarean section) during the first 24 hours after delivery, it could be a sign of abnormal bleeding, known as postpartum haemorrhage. Postpartum haemorrhage can become dangerous, if not treated on time. Read our article on Postpartum haemorrhage for detailed information.rnWhat can be expected through the six weeks of vaginal bleeding?rnAll this blood loss might freak you out, especially if this is your first delivery. It is advisable to understand what all is expected in the six weeks period of vaginal bleeding. It is possible that you might stop bleeding before the completion of 6 weeks time.rnDay one after deliveryrnThe first 24 hours after the delivery would be marked with heavy bleeding, with large size blood clots. Most probably you may not be a witness to this, as your attending nurse would take care of it. The blood is generally fresh red or reddish brown in colour. A hospital maternity pad is usually used to soak up the heavy discharge. Days 2-6 after deliveryrnThe bleeding should change its colour to dark red, brownish or reddish pink. You might pass few small blood clots. The blood loss is very similar to heavy periods. You should use extra absorbing pads and change them frequently to avoid getting infection and irritation.rnDays 7-14 after deliveryrnBy this time, the colour becomes a light shade of red or brown. The blood loss varies in different women, but its does start decreasing. Women who are breastfeeding might see a fresh blood stain after a feed. This finding is because the breastfeeding releases a hormone oxytocin, which helps in speeding up the repair and contraction of the uterus.rnPhysical activities like climbing the stairs and lifting heavy objects might increase the staining.rn3-4 weeks after deliveryrnThe discharge would now consist mostly of mucous with traces of blood. The colour of the loss can range from pale, brownish pink to creamy white. The vaginal bleeding might have stopped altogether or would have reduced drastically.rnSix weeks after deliveryrnVery less or occasional pale colour discharge can be expected. You might experience a nil vaginal discharge, towards the end of 6 weeks.rnTips to manage the vaginal bleedingrnUse high absorbing maternity pads to sail you through the flood.rnTampons and menstrual cups are not at all recommended. These are the sources of infection because your vagina is still vulnerable and you might introduce bacteria in the vagina.rnChange the sanitary pads within every 4 hours. This will help you to avoid any infection and irritation.rnPractice personal hygiene.rnYou can use period panties to safeguard against staining of your clothes.rnTowards the end of the six weeks, you can switch to panty liner for lighter discharge.rnYou may experience a sudden gush of bleeding in certain situations. This can be due to:rnBreastfeedingrnSudden movement such as getting out of the bed, climbing the staircasernWhile using the toiletrnIndulging in postnatal exercises.rnWatch out for red flagsrnIn case if you are experiencing any of the below-mentioned signs, seek immediate medical consultation.rnHeavy blood loss any time after delivery. Heavy enough to soak a large absorbing pad within an hour. This finding could be because of the postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) if occurring within 24 hrs after delivery.rnA fever of more than or equal to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit and chills accompanying fever.rnThe discharge has a foul smell to it.rnIf you are passing large or higher number of blood clots even after three days of bleeding, it might be a warning sign that the uterus is facing difficulty in healing.rnIf there is a fresh blood loss any time during the six weeks time. For few women, this might be the first period after pregnancy, but it is advisable to check with your doctor.rnThe six weeks period is quite challenging and exhausting for any new mother. It needs a lot of patience and emotional support from the family. This time could become critical if the woman faces any complications related to vaginal bleeding. It is always advisable to follow up your postnatal appointments and discuss any health concern with your doctor to be on the safer side.