Postpartum Bleeding: Is It Normal?

Postpartum bleeding—also known as lochia—is an unexpected and sometimes alarming concern. The main question is—is postpartum bleeding normal? Or is it a reason to call your doctor? 

Postpartum bleeding is completely normal after childbirth. It’s actually your body’s way of getting rid of extra blood, mucus, and tissue that lined your uterus during pregnancy. Usually, it starts heavy and looks like a very heavy period. However, over time, the flow decreases, and the color changes and may last up to six weeks and typically gets lighter after the first two weeks.

Read below this article to learn about postpartum bleeding and when it's time to call your doctor.

Postpartum bleeding comes in three different stages that have been described below.

It is recognized by a right red, heavy flow that often comes with small clots. It is quite similar to a very heavy period and might increase after breastfeeding due to oxytocin contractions.

In this phase, the blood flow lightens, turning pink or brown. However, the amount of bleeding gradually decreases over time.

It is the final stage, where bleeding becomes very light or turns into a white or yellow discharge. Besides, some women may also experience on-and-off spotting during this time.

While postpartum bleeding is usually nothing to worry about, there are indications that mean there’s a problem. Here’s when you should call your doctor:

Did you know that according to the CDC, postpartum hemorrhage occurs in about 1-5 percent of births and is often more common after C-section delivery? So, if you’re soaking through more than one pad per hour, it could signal a postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) or a retained placenta.

If you see large blood clots, it could mean your uterus isn’t contracting properly. In fact, passing large clots in the first week postpartum is a warning sign of excessive blood loss, as per studies.

If you were experiencing lighter bleeding and then suddenly started soaking pads again, it could be a sign of overexertion on your body or late postpartum hemorrhage, where you notice a bleeding that occurs after the first 24 hours but within 6 weeks postpartum.

If your bleeding has a strong, unpleasant smell, or you have a fever over 100.4°F, it could mean an infection in the uterus or an infected C-section or episiotomy stitches.

Lastly, if you experience intense, worsening pain in your lower belly, it could mean blood clots stuck in the uterus or a postpartum infection.

Postpartum bleeding is completely normal. However, it’s also something you must notice closely. In case you notice heavy bleeding more than usual, large clots, fever, or intense pain—it's probably time to reach out to your doctor.