POSTPARTUM BLEEDING EXPLAINED: IS IT NORMAL, HOW LONG IT LASTS, WHEN TO SEEK HELP

The arrival of a newborn is a time of immense transition, but for many new mothers, the physical recovery process is not just confusing - especially when it comes to postpartum bleeding – but also mentally disturbing. Medically, this condition is known as ‘lochia’, which is vaginal discharge after giving birth. Other than blood, the discharge is also a mix of mucus and uterine tissue. The discharge is generally heavy at first and gradually subsides before finally stopping.

“There is no need to be very concerned about the bleeding, as it is a universal part of the healing process, whether one has delivered vaginally or via C-section. The important thing is differentiating between the body’s natural cleaning process and the warning signs of complications like postpartum hemorrhage,” said Dr Deepika Alva, Consultant- Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Motherhood Hospitals.

What is normal bleeding?

Lochia is your body shedding the uterine lining, extra blood, and tissue that supported the pregnancy. There are usually three stages:

• The discharge for the first few days (Day 1 to 4) is bright red.
• In the next few days (Day 4 to 10), the flow lightens significantly and turns pinkish-brown
• From day 10 to the first 6 weeks after pregnancy, the discharge is yellowish-white or creamy-coloured.

“It is common to feel a sudden gush of blood when standing up after lying down or during breastfeeding. It happens due to the hormone oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions. This is usually normal as long as the total volume remains manageable,” said Dr Alva.

How long does it last?

While the heaviest bleeding would subside within the first week, most women continue to experience some level of discharge for four to six weeks. In some cases, light spotting may persist for up to 12 weeks, but it should never remain bright red or heavy for that entire duration.

When does bleeding become a concern?

According to Dr Alva, lochia is physiological, but Postpartum Hemorrhage, or PPH, is a medical emergency. Around 1 to 5 per cent of women experience PPH, a condition often caused by the uterus not contracting sufficiently or retained placental fragments.

“One should immediately consult a medical professional if an individual is soaking through one or more maxi pads every hour for two consecutive hours. If the bleeding that was getting lighter suddenly becomes bright red and heavy again after the first week, then it is a sign to seek medical help,” said Dr Alva. It is also a concern if you feel dizzy or lightheaded, experience a racing heart and blurred vision, or faint.

Also read: Vitamin B12 Dosage Explained: How Much You Really Need Per Day

A few tips for recovery

Experts suggest a new mother should not overexert herself. It is best to stay hydrated to support blood volume and healing, along with using only sanitary pads for the first six weeks to prevent the risk of infection.

Being aware after giving birth is the wisest thing to do, as early intervention is the key to a safe recovery.

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2026-02-02T10:31:28Z