Does postpartum bleeding increase with activity?

Understanding Postpartum Bleeding and Activity
Postpartum bleeding, also known as lochia, is a common experience for women after childbirth. It typically involves a discharge of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue that can last several weeks. However, the relationship between postpartum bleeding and physical activity is nuanced and warrants careful consideration.
The Nature of Postpartum Bleeding
Postpartum bleeding is generally categorized into three stages: lochia rubra, lochia serosa, and lochia alba. Initially, women may experience heavier bleeding, which gradually decreases in volume and changes in color over time. While it is normal for bleeding to occur for up to six weeks postpartum, the amount and nature of this bleeding can fluctuate based on various factors, including physical activity.
Activity’s Impact on Bleeding
Research and expert opinions suggest that postpartum bleeding can indeed increase with physical activity. Activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or even standing up after resting can lead to a temporary increase in bleeding. This is often due to the gravitational effects on the uterus and the body’s ongoing healing process. Dr. Greene notes that as women become more active, they might notice an uptick in discharge during the second and third weeks postpartum.
However, while some increase in bleeding can be expected, it is crucial for new mothers to monitor the volume and duration of this bleeding. If the bleeding becomes heavier instead of tapering off, it may signal a complication, such as postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), which is defined as losing more than 500 ml of blood following delivery.
When to Seek Medical Attention
New mothers should be vigilant about their postpartum bleeding. Signs that warrant immediate medical attention include soaking through a pad in an hour or less, passing large clots, or experiencing symptoms of low blood volume, such as dizziness or fainting. These could indicate a more serious condition that requires prompt intervention.
Conclusion
In summary, while some increase in postpartum bleeding with activity is normal, it is essential for women to remain aware of their bodies and any changes in their bleeding patterns. Engaging in light activity can be beneficial for recovery, but it should be balanced with rest and caution. If there are any concerns about the nature or volume of bleeding, consulting a healthcare provider is always the best course of action.

Does being active increase blood flow?

Engagement in muscular exercise involves complex local and nervous adjustments of the circulation. In the active muscles, including cardiac muscle, the resistance vessels relax in response to local chemical changes to provide an increase in blood flow adequate for their metabolic requirements.

How do I know if I overdid it postpartum?

Increased bleeding after your lochia starts to decrease can be a sign you’re overdoing it and need more rest. Seeing ongoing clots could mean your uterus is having trouble getting back to its pre-pregnancy size. In either case, it’s always best to call.

What are the signs of a retained placenta?

Symptoms of a retained placenta include:

• fever.
• heavy bleeding.
• bad-smelling discharge from your vagina.
• many large clots coming out of the vagina.

Can overdoing it cause postpartum bleeding?

Finally, take it easy during your postpartum recovery period. Doing too much too soon can slow down the body’s repair work and cause bleeding to start again, or to become heavy once it’s started tapering off.

Do you bleed more when you’re active?

Intense exercise can cause changes in the hormones responsible for your menstrual cycle. It can cause you to have breakthrough bleeding when you are not on your period, lighter periods than you normally have, and sometimes, no period at all.

When does postpartum bleeding peak?

Often, women experience an increase in the amount of bleeding at 7-14 days secondary to the sloughing of the eschar on the placental site. This is the classic time for delayed postpartum hemorrhages to occur.

Does exercise increase bleeding?

Exercise can make a person feel like their flow is increasing. This usually happens because physical activity can help blood exit the uterus faster. It is important that a person prepares by wearing a tampon, pad, or menstrual cup designed for a heavier flow. Some people may wear dark pants in case of leaking.

Does being active make you bleed more postpartum?

If your postnatal bleeding (lochia) gets heavier or changes colour (becomes pink or red) after activity, you could be overdoing it. You’re also likely to feel very tired. Listen to your body. Pace yourself and make sure you get plenty of rest too.

What makes postpartum bleeding worse?

If the contractions are not strong enough, the vessels bleed more. It can also happen if small pieces of the placenta stay attached.

Does exercise cause increased blood flow?

As cardiac output rises with exercise, brain blood flow remains constant (or increases slightly) while blood flow to the heart increases to meet the increased demands for myocardial blood flow that are primarily associated with exercise-induced increases in heart rate.