Post Partum Bleeding: What To Expect

I remember my post-partum bleeding. Uggh! The diapers I wore were almost as heavy as the diapers I put on my baby’s bum!

But panic not. This bleeding is normal, and necessary.  It only means that your uterine lining is getting cleaned from the inside now that the placenta is detached. So here’s what you can expect in your post-partum period:

• Bleeding Immediately After Birth

Varying from fresh red or browny-red, you can expect a heavy flow at this time with discharge of big clots followed by smaller ones.

• Bleeding Two To Six Days After The Birth

Expect the loss to go a darker-red or often, browny or pinky-red. Occasional passing of clots might be noticed but generally, it slows down.

• Bleeding Seven To Ten Days After The Birth

Things start looking light brown or pinky-red with fresh loss sometimes at the end of breastfeeding. The sanitary napkin will need less frequent changing.

• Bleeding Eleven To Fourteen Days After Having A Baby

Continued light flow with more pinky (not red) loss.

• Bleeding Three To Four Weeks After Having A Baby

Normal range of colour for vaginal blood bleeding: if loss is still present, a browny-pinky colour or paler, possibly a creamy-white colour at times.

If it has stopped by the second or third week and then you have a red loss again, this might be your first period if you are not breastfeeding.

• Bleeding Around Six Weeks After Having A Baby

Occasional or small discharge which is more yellowish –white or very  slightly pink is noticed at this time.  If you are concerned, please do speak to your OB/GYN when you visit next or schedule an appointment.

Meet the Doctor Immediately in case of:

• Continued heavy bleeding
• Dizziness, low or high blood pressure
• Swelling and pain around the vagina
• Large clots
• Unusual smell
• Unusual cramps

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