Postnatal Care
Bleeding After Birth: Recognising When to Get Help
Vaginal bleeding after birth, called lochia, usually reduces and changes over the following weeks. Sudden or very heavy bleeding is different and needs urgent attention.
Vaginal bleeding after birth, called lochia, usually reduces and changes over the following weeks. Sudden or very heavy bleeding is different and needs urgent attention.
Know the urgent signs
Heavy blood loss with faintness, a rapid heartbeat or feeling acutely unwell requires emergency care. Large clots, worsening bleeding, fever or abdominal tenderness should be reported promptly to the maternity team.
Do not assume that every change is simply the first period returning. Recent childbirth is important information for any clinician assessing bleeding.
Keep a clear account
Tell the team when bleeding increased, whether there are clots, pain or an unpleasant smell, and how you feel overall. If the bleeding is severe, do not delay help to measure it precisely or photograph it.
Use maternity or period pads during early healing rather than internal menstrual products, following your discharge advice.
Clarify recovery and follow-up
At your postnatal review, ask about any continuing bleeding and whether further assessment is needed. Also mention dizziness, marked fatigue or difficulty managing normal activity.
Keep the birth and discharge records available, particularly if you attend a different hospital. Ask who to contact out of hours and where to go if symptoms become urgent. A routine follow-up appointment is not a reason to wait with a new problem. Recovery varies, but you should have clear guidance about what is expected and what deserves another assessment.
Further reading and care
For an individual assessment with Dr. Aishwarya Parulekar Pai, contact the clinic and confirm the appointment location before travelling.
Related reading
Perineal Stitches After Birth: When Healing Needs a Review
Caesarean Recovery at Home: Organising Support and Follow-Up