What Postpartum Bleeding Is Really Like — What’s Normal & What’s Not

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What is it?

Whether you’ve had a vaginal or cesarean birth, you can expect a lot of vaginal discharge and bleeding in the days and weeks after birth. This discharge, called lochia, is a mix of mucus, blood and the uterine lining.

While often characterized as similar to a menstrual period, there is actually a lot more bloody fluid being discharged from your body postpartum than in a typical period, and that’s completely normal.

Immediately after birth, lochia is bright red, has an odor similar to that of menstrual blood, and can be significant in volume. It can also appear in the form of clumps or clots about the size of a prune or smaller.

Lochia will become less heavy after a week or so, and the color will become a more watery-pink or brown. If you are breastfeeding, you may notice that you pass more lochia while feeding, since the uterus is contracting in response to hormone shifts activated by nursing or pumping.

How common is it?

Everyone who gives birth expels lochia.

How long does it last?

Everyone’s postpartum lochia is slightly different. On average, bleeding lasts a little over 30 days, although it is also normal for it to last longer than six weeks. Some women experience a shorter lochia period with subsequent births.

What can I do about it?

Maternity pads are the best products to use during this time. They look giant, yes, but they catch and hold a lot more volume than an overnight or heavy-flow maxi pad. Maternity pads are also softer — most hospitals and birthing facilities provide them.  At Bodily, we tested and reviewed six of the leading pads recommended for postpartum and selected the Covidien Maternity Pads, as these offer high absorbency, softness, strong adhesive, and length that is appropriate and necessary. While hospitals provide these pads, most people will need more than what's typically provided. 

Note: It is not recommended to use any type of inserted blood collector (such as tampons) due to the possible risk of infection or damage to sutures.

Where can I find maternity pads (aka Giant Maxi Pads)?

 

Our Postpartum Recovery Bundle includes 14 of the Covidien Maxi Pads, which are our favorite, as well other postpartum necessities such as a 3-pack of Mesh Undies that actually look like underwear (as opposed to what they give you at the hospital) and stool softener to help with postpartum constipation. It is the pack of extras you'll need to supplement what the hospital gives you. 

 

 

You can also find them in our Care For Birth Box, which is a complete postpartum kit including all the things you'll need in the first few weeks of birth recovery and breastfeeding. 

 

When should I be worried?

While lochia is absolutely normal, severe or abnormal bleeding is not and could be an indication of postpartum hemorrhage. Postpartum hemorrhage is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition where there’s excessive bleeding following delivery. It usually happens within one day of giving birth, but it can also happen up to 12 weeks after having a baby. About 1-5% of women experience postpartum hemorrhage.

Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of preventable maternal death in the United States, which has the highest rate among other high-income countries. The rate is even higher for black women at 3.3 times that of white women, and 2.5 times for Native American and Alaskan Native women.

Signs of postpartum hemorrhage include bleeding through one to two maxi pads per hour, pale skin, shakiness and chills. If you or your partner notices these symptoms, at the hospital or in the first 45 days after delivery, you should seek medical attention immediately.

 

Within the first 24 hours after birth:

From 24 hours to 12 weeks postpartum:

Though less common, it’s possible that postpartum hemorrhage will occur in the days and weeks following delivery. This is called secondary postpartum hemorrhage and studies indicate that it occurs in 0.23 - 2% of postpartum women in high-income countries, and incidence peaks at one to two weeks postpartum.

Unsure if your bleeding is normal? Trust your gut, advocate for yourself or designate an advocate for you, and always err on the side of caution and contact a medical provider.

 

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