Everything You Need to Know About Postpartum Bleeding
After delivery, regardless of how you gave birth, your body sheds the lining of the uterus, known as lochia. Though this is a completely normal part of postpartum, there are times when it can be cause for concern. In this post, I’ll explain exactly what lochia is and what it looks like, as well as when you should call your provider about your postpartum bleeding.
What Is Lochia?
Lochia is the vaginal discharge after having a baby. It’s made up of blood, amniotic fluid, mucus, uterine tissue, and other substances found in your uterus. It can smell musty, just like your period, and usually stops within the first two months postpartum.
What Does Lochia Look Like?
The healing process can be a little different for everyone and every postpartum period, but lochia bleeding typically has three stages that look like this:
At first, lochia is usually dark or bright red and the flow is heavy. This typically lasts for roughly the first week. You can expect to pass some small clots and soak a thick pad every two to three hours.
Next, lochia becomes lighter and turns a pink or brown color.
After about a few weeks, lochia turns into a white or yellow mucus before stopping completely.
For some, their bleeding will get lighter and then may get heavier again. This is especially common when parents overdo it and/or neglect rest during their recovery process.
How Long Does Postpartum Bleeding Last?
For most, postpartum bleeding lasts for anywhere from six to eight weeks.
When to Call Your Provider
Though postpartum bleeding is a completely normal part of the healing process, there are times when it can be a sign that something is wrong. Call your provider if you:
Have a fever of 100.4* or higher
Pass clots larger than the size of a golf ball
Soak a pad within an hour while lying down
Notice the discharge has a foul odor
Managing Postpartum Bleeding
Make sure to give yourself plenty of rest, hydration, and nourishment. Overactivity can make the bleeding worse. It’s also important to note that to avoid possible infection, you shouldn’t insert anything vaginally until you have been cleared by your provider. In other words, use pads or adult diapers for the first six weeks after childbirth.