WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is postpartum bleeding? Postpartum bleeding is vaginal bleeding after childbirth. This bleeding is normal, whether your baby was born vaginally or by C-section. It contains blood and the tissue that lined the inside of your uterus when you were pregnant. What should I expect with postpartum bleeding? Postpartum bleeding usually lasts at least 10 days, and may last longer than 6 weeks. Your bleeding may range from light (barely staining a pad) to heavy (soaking a pad in 1 hour). Usually, you have heavier bleeding right after childbirth, which slows over the next few weeks until it stops. The bleeding is red or dark brown with clots for the first 1 to 3 days. It then turns pink for several days, and then becomes a white or yellow discharge until it ends. When should I contact my healthcare provider? - Your bleeding increases, or you have heavy bleeding that soaks a pad in 1 hour for 2 hours in a row.
- You pass large blood clots.
- You are breathing faster than normal, or your heart is beating faster than normal.
- You are urinating less than usual, or not at all.
- You feel dizzy.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
When should I seek immediate care or call 911? - You are suddenly short of breath and feel lightheaded.
- You have sudden chest pain.
|