Is Postpartum bleeding normal? Important things to know about vaginal bleeding after giving birth.

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

Throughout pregnancy, your body experiences several changes. And such alterations don't necessarily end after you give birth. Because your body requires time to heal, you can experience some side effects for a few days or even a few weeks after giving birth. One such thing is postpartum bleeding.

Postpartum bleeding (Lochia) is one of such signs. However, some amount of vaginal bleeding following delivery is completely normal. After childbirth, the blood you observe is referred to as lochia. It's a form of discharge that lasts for four to six weeks after delivery and is comparable to your menstrual period. It includes:

• blood
• fragments of uterine lining
• mucus
• white blood cells

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This postpartum bleeding, like a menstruation, is brought on by your uterine lining shedding and regrowing. The lochia will first largely consist of blood. It's probable that you'll see more mucus than blood as the days and weeks go by.

How the woman gave birth also affects the vaginal bleeding. Typically, postpartum bleeding following a vaginal birth should stop in three to six weeks. You'll probably have less lochia following a caesarean delivery (C-section) than you would following a vaginal delivery. However, you could continue to see some blood for a few weeks.

You'll probably need to use a hospital pad at first because the bleeding will likely be rather heavy. You can switch to a regular menstruation pad as soon as the bleeding decreases. To avoid infection, be sure to replace your pads often. Tampons should not be used unless your doctor gives the all-clear indication to use one. You can change to a panty liner if the bleeding has subsided sufficiently or you're only seeing discharge.

After birth, bleeding ought to lessen for a few weeks before ceasing entirely. But a few actions, including getting out of bed in the morning, nursing, exercising, as well as straining when peeing or defecating, might momentarily enhance the blood flow.

A significant life transformation occurs when you have a child. You'll need some time to adjust to the changes that your body and mind are through as a result of giving birth. Allow yourself time to acclimate. Reach out to your physician or a health care provider for guidance if you continue to experience discomfort, either physically or emotionally.