Postpartum Bleeding

Overview

After delivery, you will have a bloody discharge from your vagina. You may also pass some blood clots that shouldn't be bigger than an egg. Over the next 6 weeks or so, your bleeding should decrease a little every day and slowly change to a pinkish and then whitish discharge.

Use sanitary pads until you stop bleeding. Using pads makes it easier to monitor your bleeding. Do not use tampons until your doctor says it's okay. If you have a tear or stitches in your vaginal area, change your pad at least every 4 hours. This will prevent soreness and infection.

How much bleeding is too much?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have signs of hemorrhage (too much bleeding), such as:
  • Heavy vaginal bleeding. This means that you are soaking through one or more pads in an hour. Or you pass blood clots bigger than an egg.
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
  • Feeling so tired or weak that you cannot do your usual activities.
  • A fast or irregular heartbeat.
  • New or worse belly pain.
• You have symptoms of a blood clot in your leg, such as:
  • Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
  • Swelling in the leg or groin.
  • A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish, depending on your usual skin color.
• You have signs of infection, such as:
  • A fever.
  • New or worse pain in your belly.
  • Vaginal discharge that smells bad.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your vaginal bleeding isn't decreasing.