Learn about the different stages below, including how long you can expect to bleed and what to expect during each stage. Postpartum bleeding is heaviest the first few days after baby is born. Blood will be a dark or bright red and will be very heavy. It is normal to see clots in your lochia during this stage.
Normal blood clots are smaller than a quarter or a small plum. You may feel cramping and uterine contractions as your uterus returns to its usual size.
If you have large clots—larger than a quarter—you should consult your doctor. Your blood flow will lighten. Its color will change from light red to a watery pink or pinkish brown. Your placenta will likely still be bleeding, but it will be significantly lighter than the initial few days after you give birth.
You can still see blood clots during this stage, though clots should be smaller. The third stage of postpartum bleeding is called alba and can last two to six weeks after giving birth. Lochia changes from pink to a light brown to yellowish white color. You may still experience occasional spotting of blood. This stage of postpartum bleeding is mostly white blood cells leaving the body after they helped heal your uterus after birth.
Bleeding is heavy for the first few days after delivery. However, if you experience heavier blood loss after that, call your doctor. In some cases, heavy bleeding after childbirth is a sign of postpartum hemorrhage. While it is most likely to happen in the first 24 hours after delivery, postpartum hemorrhage can take place anytime during the first 12 weeks after delivery.
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Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Registry Builder New. Postpartum Bleeding Lochia. Medically Reviewed by Aaron Styer, M. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Postpartum bleeding is a normal part of your recovery from childbirth.
Here's how long postpartum bleeding typically lasts, plus how to safely manage it. Back to Top. In This Article. Continue Reading Below. Read This Next. No one wants their period to come back, but it will eventually come back. While is it possible for your cycle to return as early as six weeks postpartum, even those who are not breastfeeding will usually not experience a period until closer to 12 weeks postpartum. And remember, you ovulate two weeks before your period! The first period is usually much heavier and potentially more uncomfortable than you might be used to.
The first few periods might also be unpredictable and irregular. All of this is normal as your body sheds the lining built up over a longer period of time and your hormone levels start to settle. The old wives tale that breastfeeding prevented pregnancy is not completely true.
Officially called lactation-induced amenorrhea , this method of birth control is not particularly reliable, particularly after any supplement nutrition has been added to the infants routine, including pacifers and solids. Physiologically, the act of a baby suckling at the breast reduces certain hormone levels. Specifically, the luteinizing hormone surge that results in ovulation is suppressed.
However, in order for this to be effective, one must be exclusively breastfeeding with no supplemental or artificial nipple. However, even exclusive breastfeeding and room-sharing will not be enough to prevent the return of their cycle for everyone. And because you cannot tell if you have ovulated until two weeks later when your period arrives, this is considered an unreliable form of birth control. It is normal to worry about what your body is doing, especially if this is your first baby!
The good news is that most new parents will recover fairly easily. However, there are a few problems that can crop up that should be addressed quickly. Remember to check in every week to see what questions we are answering! Next week we are going to talk about caesarean birth and what, exactly , happens during a caesarean birth! There are no silly questions and no judgment here. Postpartum Bleeding Do you have questions about what exactly goes on with your body after giving birth?
Lochia Lochia is the initial bleeding that lasts for weeks and is a normal part of childbirth. The real question about lochia is how do you manage it!?
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