Postpartum Hemorrhage: Understanding and Managing Bleeding After Childbirth

Question
Hello Helene,i had my third child about 48 days ago. I had my 3.48 baby girl induced (natural birth).The birth went smoothly but my placenta delivery had some issues. It took my doctor about 20 minutes to deliver the placenta. After a few injections and a good pulling,half of it came out. My doctor left me for about 10 hours bleeding and clotting before referring me to the operating theater to undergo DNC. The bleeding stopped and i was sent home the next day. I had my traditional Malay massages for the next two weeks,but as i reached my 3rd weeks,i started to bleed,my doctor suspected infection but the bleeding stopped then 2 days later,i had the secondary postpartum hemorrhage. Both incident happened while i was showering.My hemoglobin level was at 10.4. It wasn't serious says my doctor but he didn't explain much to me which left me wondering what had happened? Since then,i am terrified to stand up while showering. Is it safe now or do i still have to be careful even though i have passed my 6 weeks. Is it safe for me and my husband to be intimate again? and what about exercises? I need to do my daily walks as i feel restless walking like a "Geisha". Please take my worries away as i want to go back to my daily running around the house entertaining my 2 boys away.Thank you.

Answer
I think that both of your bleeding instances while in the shower are a coincidence, and that you shouldn't worry about taking another shower.

But I am concerned about your level of medical care. To be left bleeding for 10 hours after only part of your placenta was expelled was totally unacceptable. You're lucky not to have bled to death. These actions would be considered medical malpractice in the USA.

Your history of bleeding after the D&C concerns me too. Go to a different doctor, one who specializes in postpartum complications, and get a second opinion as to whether you might have further complications, or whether you are now totally healthy.

If you get the all clear from this doctor, then you can slowly start resuming physical activities like fitness walking and other gentle exercises.