Postpartum Bleeding After 7 Weeks: What's Normal?

Question
Is it normsl to bleed through two pads a day 7 wks post partum natural delivery,with a previous molar pregnancy in 2004?

Answer
Dear Jynice,

Postpartum bleeding (lochia) 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.

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 have been bleeding steadily throughout the entire 7 weeks and it is not dissipating at all, I would suggest letting your doctor know. I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda