Postpartum Bleeding & Pelvic Floor Exercises: What to Know

Question
QUESTION: Yesterday i started doing my pelvic strengthening (where i tighten my vagina muscles and relax) I did that again today and then 2 hours later i started having brown with a little bit of red bleeding. Is it from the stretching? Also in Feb. this year i had a tubal pregnancy and had emergency surgery the dr. said i have no scar damage or anything to my tubes.  My hcg levels were tested last week and i was doubling normally. I have tender breasts, moddy, hungry more often, and tired more often too.  Is this brownish red bleeding normal? and if so why is it happening? if not what should i do?

ANSWER: Dear Heidi, I have been thinking about your question for a while.  I don't believe the bleeding is connected to the pelvic floor exercises.  It's common to have a bit of discharge around week 6.  If in doubt or still bleeding please contact your OB-GYN.  It is common to have the other symptoms that you describe during the course of pregnancy.  Please be safe!  All the best,

Anna

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QUESTION: than you i wen to see my obgyn today they did an internal u/s and they think they seen a sac but are not sure im getting my hcg levels tested again to see. I'm so worried they said to try to relax but its really hard. my bleeding has increased and it is bright red i fill a pantyliner about every 2 hours and when i go to the bathroom there is blood in the toilet i have no burning or anything i also have just a little bit of cramps but not even as bad as menstrual cramps. Do you still think that everything is ok? And that I don't need to try to prepare myself for a miscarriage?

Answer
Heidi, I'm not an OB-GYN - i do prenatal and postpartum wellness and fitness, and I can't answer the questions about your hcg levels.  I do see a lot of pregnant woment, and I had a miscarriage myself (and a baby after that, by the way).  i know it is nervebreaking.  The best thing is to try to relax your muscles and do deep breathing.  If your muscles are tense you increase the risk of a miscarriage.  Let me know how it goes...  my thoughts are with you.