Postpartum Bleeding & Return of Period: What to Expect

Question
I had my son on August 1 and the after pregnancy bleeding stopped at about three weeks. About a week later I got my period. It is going on 8 days of me having my period and the bleeding has not eased up at all. I am still having some clotting and really thick blood loss. Is this normal? Should I be concerned? Thank you

Answer
Lyndsey,

I wonder if this is still postpartum bleeding, not your period, as 3 weeks is a bit shorter than average.  I would give your care provider a call if you are having clots larger than the size of a silver dollar and a heavy flow.  It may also just be a heavier-than-normal period since you've just given birth.  It's not uncommon for the first cycle after birth to be exceptionally heavy.



Best,
Catherine