Postpartum Bleeding: What to Expect
You recently gave birth and now you have vaginal bleeding and discharge. Don't freak out! It's perfectly normal. In fact, all women who have delivered a child, whether vaginally or by cesarean section, will have vaginal bleeding and discharge, which is called lochia.
The first few days postpartum the discharge will be lochia rubia (bright red), much like a heavy period. Lochis rubia consists mostly of blood and tissue from the uterine lining. It may flow evenly, or pass in spurts. If you have been reclining, you may notice some small clots when you get up. Don't worry. Lochia rubia will ease up a little each day, until it turns into lochia alba.
Lochia alba is more watery and paler in color than lochia rubia. By the time your baby is 10 days old, you will probably have just a small amount of white to pale yellow discharge. This discharge is comprised mainly of white blood cells and cells from the uterus. Keep in mind that vaginal discharge after childbirth can occur for up to 6 weeks.
How to deal with it? Rest as much as possible, and don't overexert yourself. The first few days after you are home from the hospital, use the heavy duty sanitary pads they gave you in the hospital, then switch to regular pads. Do not use any tampons until the doctor has said it is okay, usually at your 6 week checkup.
Even though some bleeding is normal after giving birth, if you have any other symptoms (such as fever or chills) or pass a clot bigger than a golf ball, call the doctor ASAP!
report abuseThe first few days postpartum the discharge will be lochia rubia (bright red), much like a heavy period. Lochis rubia consists mostly of blood and tissue from the uterine lining. It may flow evenly, or pass in spurts. If you have been reclining, you may notice some small clots when you get up. Don't worry. Lochia rubia will ease up a little each day, until it turns into lochia alba.
Lochia alba is more watery and paler in color than lochia rubia. By the time your baby is 10 days old, you will probably have just a small amount of white to pale yellow discharge. This discharge is comprised mainly of white blood cells and cells from the uterus. Keep in mind that vaginal discharge after childbirth can occur for up to 6 weeks.
How to deal with it? Rest as much as possible, and don't overexert yourself. The first few days after you are home from the hospital, use the heavy duty sanitary pads they gave you in the hospital, then switch to regular pads. Do not use any tampons until the doctor has said it is okay, usually at your 6 week checkup.
Even though some bleeding is normal after giving birth, if you have any other symptoms (such as fever or chills) or pass a clot bigger than a golf ball, call the doctor ASAP!
Submit!
