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. While changing diapers and caring for your little one, you may be wondering how to provide protection and comfort for yourself as well.
You may even find yourself soaking through one every three hours or so. Definitely do not use tampons. This can be very dangerous after giving birth. Instead, a product like Always Discreet underwear are great for postpartum bleeding, especially during the first stage when blood flow is heaviest.
Postpartum underwear can come in different sizes with different levels of absorbency—use this guide for choosing which postpartum underwear is best for you. Always Discreet postpartum underwear are super thin and flexible, which means they are super comfortable. What is it? How common is it? Everyone who gives birth expels lochia. How long does it last? First few days. Bodily does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The resources on our website are provided for informational purposes only.
You should always consult with a healthcare professional regarding any medical diagnoses or treatment options. How To Prepare. Bathroom C-Section Vaginal Birth. Related Articles. Password Forgot Password? Login Create an account. Reset Password Enter your email and we will send you an email to reset your password. Create an account. First Name. Last Name.
I agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Please check the box above to proceed. Existing User? Your Bag 0 You have no items in your shopping bag. Continue Shopping. This is especially good to do after going to the bathroom. During the first week postpartum, also use a squirt bottle to rinse the perineum with warm water after using the toilet.
Notify your doctor if your perineum area does not get less sore each day or you have any sign of infection. Sore nipples and breasts. The first few days of breastfeeding, it is normal for women to have sore nipples and breasts. Try changing positions or consult a lactation expert breastfeeding expert for help.
Do this before your nipples develop painful cracks, which could sideline your breastfeeding. Breastfeeding should continue with the addition of complementary foods throughout the second half of the first year. The stitches will absorb over time. It is important that you keep the stitches from getting infected by gently cleaning them with warm water after each time you use the toilet. Do this by using a squirt bottle to rinse the area and pat it dry. Do not wipe the area with toilet paper or you could irritate the stitched area.
No matter how eager you are to check the healing progress, try to keep you hands off the stitches. If the area begins to hurt worse or the stitches seem weepy, contact your doctor.
It could be a sign of infection. If you have stitches from a cesarean birth C-section , these heal in varying degrees. The stitches in the skin should heal in days. The underlying stitches in your muscle layer will take longer to heal. For the stitches that you can see, make sure to watch for any signs of infection. These signs include if the incision area is red, swollen, or weeping pus; or if you have a fever.
Vaginal bleeding and discharge. After giving birth, it is common that you will have vaginal bleeding and discharge this is called lochia , even if you had a C-section. Expect for this to be heavier at first up to 10 days , but then taper off. Light bleeding and spotting can last up to six weeks after delivery. It is important that you use only sanitary pads during this time.
Using tampons can introduce bacteria and lead to infection. Also expect to pass some clots, especially the first week. If clots are bigger than a quarter, you should contact your doctor. Water retention. You may be eager for that swelling you noticed during your pregnancy to go away. Also known as postpartum edema swelling , your body will continue to hold on to water because of an increase in a hormone called progesterone.
You may notice the swelling in your hands, legs, and feet. If it does or if it seems to get worse over time, be sure to tell your doctor. Weight loss. If you were hoping for immediate weight loss after your baby was born, you were probably very disappointed. No mother is that lucky, no matter what you read in the tabloids. You can expect to lose about pounds depending on the size of your baby during the birth.
After that, your weight loss will slow considerably. Depending on how much weight you gained during pregnancy the average is pounds , it may take several months to lose the baby weight.
For many women, breastfeeding seems to help promote weight loss. Pay attention to your body after giving birth.
Soreness is to be expected, but too much pain could mean something is seriously wrong. There are life-threatening problems related to childbirth that can happen days or weeks after delivery. When you are recovering from delivery, it is best to err on the side of caution if you feel that something is not right with you or with the baby.
You should expect to have some discomfort as you heal. You should not begin to feel worse. Postpartum Support International. Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.
Last Updated: August 28, This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
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Things to consider Pay attention to your body after giving birth. Postpartum hemorrhage is rare but can happen.
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