Bleeding After Delivery

Bleeding After Delivery

When your placenta detaches, the blood vessels in the area where it was attached bleed into the uterus. Uterine contractions after delivery help to close off the blood vessels and decrease bleeding. Your doctor may give you some Pitocin to help contraction. Massaging your uterus and breastfeeding can also help the uterus to contract.

The discharge after  you deliver is called lochia. Your lochia will be bright red for the first few days and should lighten to pink in about 2-4 days after delivery. When you are lying down the blood may pool and you may pass clots upon standing. By about day 10 your lochia should be pale - white or yelowish. Your lochia will taper off in a process that takes about 2-4 weeks though some women may have scant spotting for a few more weeks.

Use the big pads they give you in the hospital for the first few days. Be prepared with large pads when you get home. Tampons should not be used as they may increase your chances of infection. Get as much rest as you can. Too much activity may cause you to bleed longer or start bleeding again after your lochia has lightened. Pee often as a full bladder can make it hard for your uterus to contract. You may not have normal sensation so urinate regularly even if you don't feel the urge.

Call us if:

• Your bleeding is getting progressively heavier.
• Your lochia is still bright red four days after delivery.
• Your lochia has a foul odor or you come down with a fever or chills.
• You have abnormally heavy bleeding ( saturating a pad in an hour or having blood clots bigger than a golf ball). This is a sign of late postpartum hemorrhage and requires immediate attention.