Postpartum Hemorrhage: Causes, Stages, Duration & When to seek medical help

• Pregnancy and childbirth can be exhausting events
• During your recovery period, vaginal bleeding is a common and natural event
• It usually subsides within a few days on its own

Postpartum bleeding is also known as postpartum hemorrhage (know about common postpartum complications). Postpartum bleeding or lochia is the discharge of blood and mucus right after delivery.

Vaginal bleeding after childbirth is a normal part of recovery. It is experienced by almost all women despite the type of delivery – C-section or vaginal birth.

Postpartum bleeding symptoms are usually heavier than the menstrual cycle. It is also more long lasting than your usual menstrual cycle. Lochia also consists of mucus and tissue from the uterus. This blood is usually dark red coloured.

Vaginal bleeding after delivery usually lasts for up to 10 days. After 10 days, the postpartum bleeding begins to subside and changes into a lighter colour or spotting (spotting before menstruation & when to seek doctor’s help).

However, postpartum bleeding is different in every person.

Postpartum bleeding or lochia is not a difficult phenomena to manage. Here is how you can take care of yourself during lochia (postpartum bleeding):

• Use and change sanitary pads frequently
• Rest as much as possible
• Avoid using tampons as they can introduce bacteria into your urinary tract (top home remedies for urinary tract infection)
• Carefully choose your clothing as you may experience some amount of spotting