Why am I suddenly bleeding more postpartum?

Understanding Increased Postpartum Bleeding
Experiencing an increase in bleeding after childbirth can be a concerning development for new mothers. Postpartum bleeding, or lochia, is a normal part of recovery after delivery, but changes in the volume or duration of bleeding can signal underlying issues that require attention.
What is Postpartum Bleeding?
Postpartum bleeding typically occurs in three stages:
1. Lochia Rubra: This is the initial bleeding, which is bright red and can last for about 3 to 4 days. It consists of blood, uterine tissue, and mucus.
2. Lochia Serosa: Following the first stage, the bleeding shifts to a pink or brownish color and may last from 4 to 10 days.
3. Lochia Alba: This is the final stage, characterized by a yellowish-white discharge that can continue for several weeks.
While some bleeding is expected, an increase in bleeding at any stage can be alarming.
Causes of Increased Postpartum Bleeding
There are several reasons why a woman might experience increased bleeding postpartum, including:
1. Uterine Atony: This condition occurs when the uterus fails to contract effectively after delivery. It is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage, leading to excessive blood loss.
2. Retained Placental Fragments: If portions of the placenta remain in the uterus after childbirth, they can interfere with normal uterine contractions and lead to increased bleeding.
3. Infection: An infection in the uterus or surrounding areas can also result in heavier bleeding. Symptoms may include fever, foul-smelling discharge, and abdominal pain.
4. Lacerations or Tears: If there were lacerations during delivery that have not healed properly, they can cause ongoing bleeding.
5. Coagulation Disorders: Rarely, underlying blood clotting disorders may contribute to excessive bleeding postpartum.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Increased bleeding postpartum should not be taken lightly. Mothers experiencing:
– Soaking through a pad within an hour
– Passing large clots
– Signs of shock (such as dizziness, fainting, or rapid heart rate)
should seek immediate medical care. It is crucial to address these symptoms promptly to prevent complications.
Conclusion
While postpartum bleeding is a normal part of recovery, any sudden changes should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Awareness of the symptoms and causes of increased bleeding can empower new mothers to take proactive steps for their health and well-being. If you or someone you know is facing this issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to a medical professional for guidance and support.

What color is postpartum hemorrhage blood?

Postpartum Hemorrhage
It’s called lochia. Bleeding may start as a bright red color. Within a few days it should become lighter and more pink in color. Postpartum hemorrhage is bleeding after birth that’s much heavier than usual—meaning you’re soaking through two pads an hour for more than 1 to 2 hours.

Is it normal for postpartum bleeding to increase with activity?

If your postnatal bleeding (lochia) gets heavier or changes colour (becomes pink or red) after activity, you could be overdoing it.

Can you stop bleeding then start again postpartum?

It was common for postpartum bleeding to stop and start again or to be characterized by intermittent spotting or bleeding. Return of menses is rare among fully breast-feeding women in the first 8 weeks postpartum.

What is one of the first signs of postpartum hemorrhage?

The most common symptom of postpartum hemorrhage is persistent, excessive vaginal bleeding after delivery. This can include passing several large blood clots (anything larger than a golf ball may be a sign of a problem).

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.

Is it normal for bleeding to increase postpartum?

Heavy bleeding after giving birth is called postpartum hemorrhage. It affects up to 5% of women who give birth. It’s most likely to happen the first 24 hours after delivery. But it can happen anytime within the first 12 weeks after your baby is born.

What does placenta scab bleeding look like?

That’s thought to be a scab over the place where the placenta was attached to the uterus coming off. Most moms have some red, brown, then yellow discharge for 4-6 weeks after birth, but women can bleed for as little as two days or as long as 90 days.

What are the 4 stages of postpartum hemorrhage?

• Tone (i.e., atony)
• Trauma (i.e., laceration)
• Tissue (i.e., retained products)
• Thrombin (i.e., coagulation dysfunction)

Why is my lochia turning red again?

If bright red spotting reappears after your lochia has already lightened up, it could be something called eschar bleeding. This is caused when the scab left behind from your placenta dissolves. This happens around the 10-day mark postpartum, and should only last for a few hours.

What are the red flags for lochia?

Signs Of Abnormal Lochia
The passage of large clots (roughly the size of a golf ball) Excessive bleeding (going through a pad in less than an hour) Foul or fishy smelling discharge. Nausea, chills or fever-like symptoms.