Persistent Postpartum Bleeding: What to Expect & When to Worry

Question
I had my baby 13 weeks ago. a short while after delivery my bleeding began to go away but it started bleeding agian. at my 6week postpartum visit i told my OB i was still bleeding some red blood and was told its normal esp since i had the depo birth control shot and should go away in a little while. however, i still am spotting red blood throughout the day 7 weeks later. not a ton of blood and no blood clots but i have been reading saying red bleeding should stop after 4 days approximately and all bleeding stops 4-6 weeks after. i am not sure if this is normal or not.

Answer
Dear Heather

The most common cause for postpartum bleeding that lasts behind 6 weeks is some retained products of conception inside the uterus such as a fragment pf placenta or a piece of membranes.

My advice is to get a pelvic ultrasound to make sure that your uterus is empty. In this case medical treatment is possible. A curettage is necessary if retained products are present.