Postpartum Bleeding After C-Section and Tubal Ligation: Causes & When to Worry

Question
I AM 32 AND HAVE DELIVERED 4 KIDS.VAGINAL,CSECT DUE TO BREECH,VBAC AND THEN CSECT WITH A TUBAL WHICH WAS ON 3-2-05.AT 5 1/2 WEEKS POSTPARTOM I HAD A LIGHT PERIOD? FOR 2 DAYS.AT 9 1/2 WEEKS POSTPARTOM I STARTED BLEEDING AGAIN IT IS VERY HEAVY AND I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE PADS MORE THAN I  NORMALLY WOULD HAVE HAD TO.IT IS ALSO A BRIGHT RED.I BREASTFED UNTIL BABY WAS 2 WEEKS OLD.I HAVE ALSO HAD SEX WITH HUSBAND 3 TIMES SINCE 3 WEEKS POSTPARTOM.THE WATER IN THE TOILET WHEN I GO TO THE BATHROOM HAS EVEN BEEN RED AFTER I GO TO BATHROOM. SHOULD I CALL DR.THANK YOU

Answer
Up until 6 weeks postpartum, the bleeding is due to the pregnancy. Around 6-10 weeks postpartum, your period usually returns. The first period can be very, very heavy as your hormones are returning to normal. In addition, if you had breastfed for awhile, it can delay the period, as well. Furthermore, usually we suggest to avoid intercourse until the 6 week checkup because the vagina is very "hyperemic" at that time and can bleed very easily. I doubt that the heavy bleeding was due to the cesarean or due to the tubal ligation. See how your next period goes. If your bleeding lasts for more than 14 days at a time, contact your doctor. Usually it will return to your normal period after one or two cycles. Don't worry.