What is postpartum bleeding?

Postpartum bleeding, or lochia, is the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth. It’s a mixture of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue as your body sheds the lining of the uterus, which thickened during pregnancy. This bleeding is a natural part of the healing process and is essential for your body’s return to its pre-pregnancy state.

Three stages of postpartum bleeding

First Few Days

There will be a significant amount of bright red, heavy bleeding similar to a heavy period accompanied by small clots (called lochia rubra).

Week 1-4

Your discharge will gradually change to a pinkish brown color with a more watery consistency and less clots (called lochia serosa). Your flow will also become more moderate.

Week 4-6

On your last stage of postpartum bleeding, your discharge will appear yellowish white, with little to no blood and no clots (called lochia alba). Your flow will also becoming lighter.

Postpartum vs. period bleeding

While both lochia and period begin with bright red blood, as the day pass, lochia tend to get lighter in color and will eventually turn yellowish-white, while period blood darkens.

How much bleeding is too much?

While bleeding is normal, excessive and abnormal bleeding is not and could indicate postpartum hemorrhage. Postpartum hemorrhage typically occurs within one day post delivery, but it can also happen up to 12 weeks (called secondary postpartum hemorrhage).

Seek immediate medical attention if you or your partner observe these symptoms:

• Bleeding that saturates one pad every hour for several consecutive hours
• Passing blood clots larger than a golf ball
• Vaginal discharge with an abnormal or foul odor
• Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations
• Low blood pressure
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Loss of consciousness