Let’s see how long bleeding occurs after delivery, whether bleeding is normal after delivery, why more bleeding occurs after childbirth and the reasons and remedies for it –
Let me tell you how long does bleeding occur after delivery –
The excessive flow of bleeding and mucus after delivery is called lochia, which begins to occur after delivery and lasts for ten days. Mild bleeding and spotting may occur for four to six weeks after pregnancy.
Many women are curious to know it is normal to have bleeding after delivery-
There may be some bleeding after delivery. All women have slight bleeding during and after delivery. A few days after giving birth, you will feel as if you are having a large number of periods, as the amount of blood present in your body increases by about 50 per cent during pregnancy. Therefore your body is fully prepared for this normal bleeding.
When the placenta separates from the uterus, there are open blood vessels in the part where it is connected to, which starts bleeding into the uterus. After the placenta separates, the uterus begins to constrict, closing those blood vessels, and reducing bleeding. If you had an episiotomy or incision during the delivery, blood may come out of the area until it is stitched.
Nurses will massage your uterus and may give you synthetic oxytocin for contractions. Breastfeeding releases natural oxytocin into the body which also helps your uterus to become compressed. This is why you still feel cramps later.
Sometimes the uterus does not compress well after delivery, resulting in excessive bleeding called postpartum haemorrhage.
Non-stop bleeding after delivery –
If you feel spotting again after Lochia becomes mild then it is just a sign that you will have less bleeding now. But if you experience this spotting for the next few days, then do a checkup with your doctor.
Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience excessive bleeding or any of the following –
- The blood should be dark red even after four days of childbirth.
- There was a strong smell from the local or you have a fever or cold. Which may be symptoms of infection after delivery.
- You have unusual excessive bleeding.
- These are signs of late postpartum haemorrhage and require immediate attention.
What are the causes of postpartum bleeding?
Whether the delivery is normal or Caesarean delivery, every new mother has bleeding after giving birth. Most bleeding occurs from where the placenta separates from the uterine wall. But it can also be caused by an incision or injury during labour.
Bleeding after childbirth can be excessive, but it gradually subsides over time within a few weeks. The deep red colour starts bleeding and then over the next few days it changes colour and turns brown as your uterus heals and returns to its pre-pregnancy size. However, bleeding should stop completely six weeks after delivery. The blood flow gradually decreases, but if you try to do all the household work soon, it can start again.
Heavy bleeding can also occur if you breastfeed. You may also experience pain and cramps like periods of pain and cramps, which is called post-delivery pain. This is because breastfeeding causes contractions in your womb. If you have twins or more children you may experience more pain. You can reduce pain with the help of ibuprofen, which is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
Let’s understand the tips on how to manage postpartum bleeding?
In the beginning, use sanitary pads used in excessive bleeding. You will be sent home from the hospital.
By the time tampons are used for at least six weeks, your vagina and uterus are healing, so they are more susceptible to infection.
Try to urinate, even if you don’t feel it. Your bladder is less sensitive than normal until a few days after giving birth, so you may not feel the need to urinate. Your bladder is less sensitive than normal until a few days after giving birth, so you may not feel the need to urinate. Apart from causing urinary problems, your uterus is not compressed due to the bladder being full, causing more pain and bleeding later. Rest as much as you can. If you do too much work, you may have prolonged bleeding or bleeding even after the local has decreased or is over.
