Postpartum Bleeding: What's Normal and When to Call Your Doctor

Postpartum bleeding is a normal part of recovering after childbirth, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t concerning. You may wonder whether you’re bleeding too much, how long it should last, or when it’s time to call your doctor.

Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a cesarean birth, bleeding after delivery is your body’s way of shedding the blood, mucus, and tissue that supported your pregnancy.

This discharge, called lochia, gradually becomes lighter in both amount and color as your body heals.

What Does Normal Postpartum Bleeding Look Like?

Postpartum bleeding doesn’t stop after a few days. Most women have lochia for several weeks, often up to six weeks, although light discharge can last a little longer. The important thing is that the bleeding should gradually become lighter over time, not heavier.

Lochia typically progresses through three stages.

The First Few Days

During the first several days after delivery, the discharge is usually bright or dark red and may be as heavy as a menstrual period. You may notice a few small blood clots, especially after getting out of bed. Mild cramping is also common as your uterus shrinks back to its usual size.

The Next Week or Two

The bleeding should gradually become lighter. The discharge often changes from red to pink, reddish-brown, or watery brown. Blood clots should become less common as well.

The Following Weeks

The discharge gradually becomes pale yellow, creamy, or white. At this stage, there may be little or no visible blood. The amount of discharge should continue to decrease until it stops.

Why Does Bleeding Sometimes Increase Temporarily?

Don’t be surprised if your bleeding seems a little heavier after breastfeeding, getting out of bed, or being more physically active. Breastfeeding releases a hormone called oxytocin that causes the uterus to contract. Those contractions can temporarily increase the bleeding.

Bleeding can also seem heavier when you first stand because blood that pooled in the vagina while you were lying down is released all at once.

If your bleeding becomes heavier after walking or other activities, it may be a sign your body needs more rest. Try slowing down and taking a break. The bleeding should become lighter again. If it stays heavy or continues to increase, contact your obstetrician.

When Should I Call My Doctor?

It’s a good idea to contact your doctor if:

Bleeding becomes heavier after it had been decreasing
Bright red bleeding continues without becoming lighter
You repeatedly pass blood clots
Your vaginal discharge has a foul or unpleasant odor
You develop a fever
Pelvic or lower abdominal pain gets worse instead of improving
You develop chills or flu-like symptoms
You feel unusually weak, pale, or lightheaded
You’re unsure whether the amount of bleeding is normal

Fever, worsening pain, and foul-smelling discharge can be signs of an infection in the uterus. Increased bleeding may also happen if placental tissue remains in the uterus after delivery. Both situations need prompt medical evaluation.

Heavy postpartum bleeding can become dangerous quickly. Seek emergency medical care right away if:

You soak through one or more sanitary pads in an hour
You pass a large blood clot or tissue
You feel faint or lose consciousness
Your heart is racing or pounding
You suddenly feel extremely weak

Don’t wait to see if the bleeding slows down. These symptoms can be signs of severe blood loss. If you feel faint or weak, have someone else drive you or call emergency medical services.

Postpartum Bleeding: Know When to Seek Help

Postpartum bleeding is a normal part of healing after childbirth, and it’s common for the amount of bleeding to vary a little from day to day. You may notice a temporary increase after breastfeeding or being more active, but overall, the bleeding should gradually become lighter as your body recovers.

If you have questions about postpartum bleeding or need care after delivery, the team at Women’s Health Center is here to help. We provide compassionate postpartum care for women in Grants Pass, Ashland, and the surrounding Southern Oregon communities. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.