Bleeding after birth

After birth, it is expected to have vaginal bleeding for a while, whether your baby was born vaginally or by caesarean. This blood is called lochia and is part of your uterus's recovery process.

During pregnancy, the placenta was attached to the wall of your uterus through an area with many blood vessels. After the placenta comes out, there is an area in the uterus that needs to heal. This is mainly where the blood from the first few days comes from, along with mucus and tissue from the lining of your uterus.

Your lochia will also change over the days

Initially, it is usually red and similar to a period, gradually tending to become more brownish or pinkish and, later, lighter, yellowish or whitish. The amount also tends to decrease.

While breastfeeding, you may temporarily notice a slightly heavier flow, as the oxytocin released during a feed will cause your uterus to contract, a sign that everything is going well.

There are some signs you should look out for:

• A very unpleasant smell
• Fever
• Severe abdominal pain

Very heavy bleeding, which suddenly increases after it has been decreasing, or is accompanied by dizziness, weakness or feeling faint, also needs to be checked.