Postpartum Bleeding: Understanding Lochia and When to Worry

Question
Brenda,

I am calling a doctor tomorrow, but can't sleep well right now. I am wondering if you have heard of someone bleeding for as long as 16 weeks after pregnancy??

It's medium menstrual bleeding that I thought stopped for a few days but has been pretty consistent. I had my son May 21st and it's August 19th tomorrow.

Thank you,

Elizabeth

Answer
Dear Elizabeth,

The bleeding after delivery is called lochia. Postpartum bleeding is similar to the bleeding that occurs during a menstrual period, but is often much heavier than menstrual bleeding for the first few days. Postpartum bleeding typically begins within hours after giving birth, and will continue for about 2-3 weeks. For some women, postpartum bleeding may last for up to as many as 6 weeks after giving birth. Sixteen weeks would be considered excessive if it is red, period-like bleeding and has not stopped for at least a three week period of time.

Postpartum bleeding starts out bright red (lochia rubra). The postpartum bleeding generally stays bright red for anywhere from 3-7 days after giving birth. After that time, the color will become more pinkish, and eventually becomes an off-white or yellow-white color (lochia alba). Occasionally, postpartum bleeding may contain small blood clots, which is normal and nothing to panic about.

Your first period after childbirth is dependent upon whether you are breastfeeding or not. Women who are not breastfeeding will usually start menstruating 6-8 weeks postpartum. If you are breastfeeding, you may not menstruate until you wean the baby off the breast. Other women get their period back even though they continue to breastfeed. Every woman/every pregnancy is different. Your first period after childbirth is often much heavier and lasts a little longer than usual before returning to a more normal pattern. But it is not considered an actual period unless there have been about 21 days of no bleeding. This indicates that the body has gone through the appropriate hormonal chain of events.

If you have only had 2-3 days of no bleeding since you delivered in May and it remains red, like period bleeding, I would suggest that you contact your doctor about it. Sometimes it ends up being a situation where they need to intervene with medication.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda