How Many Days Does Bleeding Last After Birth?

Bleeding after delivery is considered normal as it is a result of the uterus starting to regenerate. Despite this situation, which is also called postpartum bleeding, you should know what awaits you and learn about dangerous situations.

How many days does bleeding last after delivery, is it normal for bleeding to stop and start again in the puerperium? All the details you need to know are in this article!

What causes bleeding after childbirth?

Postpartum hemorrhages, also known as postpartum hemorrhage, may sound scary but are actually a sign that your body is recovering. After birth, your uterus tries to reinstate itself, slowly shrinking and contracting frequently. As you do these actions, bleeding occurs because the vessels will stretch and open. When your uterus takes its final shape, if there is no other situation, your bleeding will end.

Postpartum hemorrhages last for the first time you give birth to your baby and for the next 6 weeks. During this process, the amount and color change constantly. These changes give you information about the state of your healing.

How many days does bleeding last after giving birth?

Bleeding in the puerperium can last up to 6 weeks. You may experience heavy menstrual bleeding, especially in the first days. The color of the blood then gradually changes to pink and brown spots. Although it is expected that this whole process will spread to 6 weeks, it is also possible for the bleeding to end early in the puerperium .

You may wonder how long post-cesarean bleeding lasts. It is normal to see a little more bleeding after cesarean delivery. Some mothers may be afraid of clotted bleeding after cesarean section . It is okay to have some clots in the bleeding in the first days, but if you encounter very large pieces, this may indicate a problem.

Below, we have provided very useful information about postpartum hemorrhages by day. By reviewing this information, you can track your health status.

Bleeding immediately after birth

Quantity: Very dense.

Appearance: Fluid, red.

At birth, the placenta leaves your body along with your baby. You will bleed heavily as the placenta leaves your body. This bleeding may stop on its own or the health personnel may intervene for you. In the first 24 hours, your bleeding will lighten a little.

Bleeding 1-4 days after birth

Quantity: Dense.

Appearance: Semi-fluid, glossy and deep red.

In the first days, your bleeding will be heavy again, of course not like during childbirth! Think of a period when you had a very heavy period, this bleeding will look like it! During these processes, you should definitely use puerperal pads and change these pads frequently.

In the first days, there may be some clots in the bleeding. As long as these clots are not very large, there is no problem, but it is useful to inform your doctor. If you are encountering large pieces, there is a problem.

Bleeding 5-8 days after birth

Quantity: Regular.

Appearance: Red/pink.

In this process, your bleeding will begin to lighten. That’s why you can start using smaller pads. Clots are still visible, but should not be larger than a chickpea!

Bleeding 9-14 days after birth

Quantity: Light

Appearance: Pink or light pink.

During this period, your bleeding is similar to the end of a period. Your pads no longer get wet; because its structure is darkened. It is mostly light pink in color, sometimes it can be brownish.

Bleeding 3-4 weeks after delivery

Quantity: Minimum

Appearance: Pale pink, brown or light brown

During this period, your bleeding takes the form of mucus and turns into a discharge. It can be stopped after the 4th week or it can continue until the 6th week and end slowly.

You can use daily pads.

Bleeding 6 weeks after birth

Quantity: Normal vaginal discharge.

Appearance: Mucous, pale cream, white.

6 weeks after birth, bleeding should stop if there is no other underlying cause. You no longer need to use any pads. If your bleeding hasn’t stopped or has started again, there may be a problem. You should definitely consult your doctor.

If postpartum bleeding exceeds 40 days

Although the postpartum bleeding is expected to end after 6 weeks under normal conditions, bleeding in the form of leakage, called the yellow period, can be seen later. It is said that bleeding that continues after 40 days is not menstrual blood, but apology blood. If you say I’m broke and my bleeding continues , you should definitely contact your doctor. Because the bleeding should be over by 40-50 days.

So “Does the bleeding last for 2 months after giving birth?” or “Is it normal to bleed for 3 months after giving birth?” We can say that the answer to such questions is no. Despite such situations, you should see your doctor to determine the underlying cause of the bleeding.

Factors affecting postpartum bleeding

dangerous situations

Due to some problems that occur during or after childbirth, uterine contractions may not occur correctly. This condition is called “uterine atony” and is the cause of most excessive bleeding. You may encounter this situation if you have had a multiple pregnancy , have fibroids, have a large baby, or have taken too long to give birth.

One of the signs of fragmentation after normal delivery is bleeding. Remaining placenta fragments in the uterus also causes excessive bleeding. If such a situation is detected, the remaining parts can be removed from the uterus with the abortion method.

Breast-feeding

During breastfeeding, your hormones will remain at their highest levels, and each act of breastfeeding will make your uterus contract and shrink. This is why you may see increased bleeding during breastfeeding.

Activity

About 1 week after birth, you may feel better and you can start walking and doing housework. But you shouldn’t get into these things right away. Because moving early can increase bleeding.

some drugs

Your doctor may recommend some blood thinners to keep your bleeding from clotting after delivery. These drugs can affect the consistency and flow of blood, but not its color.

To lie down

Your bleeding will stay in your uterus while you are lying down, and when you wake up and stand up, the blood that has accumulated throughout the night will begin to come out. Do not be afraid, this is not a dangerous situation.

Controlling postpartum bleeding

• You should use a puerperal pad, especially during periods of heavy bleeding. These pads absorb blood well and have a large volume. You should check the consistency, amount and color of the blood accumulating in these pads and consult your doctor in an extraordinary situation.
• In this process, your body is very open to infections! That’s why you need to take care of your hygiene. You should change your pads frequently and clean them with lukewarm water only.
• You should never use tampons to control your bleeding. Tampons both increase the risk of infection and make it difficult to monitor the amount of bleeding.
• It is important to urinate frequently. If your urine rate is low, you should increase your fluid consumption. In addition, holding the toilet causes your uterus to contract, thus increasing the amount of bleeding.
• Rest has a healing power. In this process, if you rest enough and avoid doing heavy work, your bleeding will remain at the level it should be and will not cause you any difficulties. So don’t be too hard on yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your relatives!