When do i stop bleeding after childbirth

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. Postpartum hemorrhaging is very serious and needs immediate attention. This can cause death if left untreated. If you think you have postpartum hemorrhage, contact your doctor or head to the emergency room right away. Bleeding after delivering a baby can leave a new mom in quite a quandary.

Speak to your midwife if you're very uncomfortable. Read more about breastfeeding in the first few days. After delivery, your tummy will probably still be a lot bigger than before pregnancy.

This is partly because your muscles have stretched. Breastfeeding helps because it makes your womb contract. You may feel quite painful period-like cramps while you're feeding. You could also try these gentle postnatal tummy exercises.

Page last reviewed: 15 April Next review due: 15 April Your body after the birth. Stitches If you've had stitches after tearing or an episiotomy cut , bathe them every day to help prevent infection. If your stitches are sore or uncomfortable, tell your midwife. Going to the toilet At first, the thought of peeing can be a bit frightening — because of the soreness. Tell your midwife if: you're finding it really difficult to pee you feel very sore you notice an unpleasant smell You probably won't have a poo for a few days after the birth, but it's important not to let yourself get constipated.

Bladder control After having a baby, it's quite common to leak a bit of pee if you laugh, cough or move suddenly. Piles Piles are very common after birth but usually disappear within a few days. Try not to push or strain — this will make the piles worse. Bleeding after birth lochia You'll bleed from your vagina after the birth. If you're losing blood in large clots, tell your midwife. You may need some treatment. When will my periods start again after pregnancy? The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.

This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. 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. It's common for postpartum bleeding lochia to last for at least a couple of weeks if not longer than a month. It's different for every woman. Postpartum bleeding typically stops after four to six weeks. It can depend on how much time has passed since you gave birth. Postpartum bleeding lochia usually starts out as heavier bleeding and the discharge is darker in color. In the first few days after you've given birth, lochia can be bright red in color with a heavy volume.

After about a week or so the discharge may be pinkish or brownish in color and the volume may be less. About two weeks later the discharge may become light brown or yellow in color and the amount will be much lighter.

It will eventually go away altogether. Lochia is unlike a period in that it is characterized by heavier bleeding, and it very often includes blood clots. It's normal for the clots to be as big as a plum. It also lasts much longer than a normal period.