There are many moments of joy and relief during pregnancy and birth, but there's also a lot of blood. But what does postpartum bleeding actually look like? How long does it last? Read on for answers to your top questions about postpartum bleeding (and what to wear when you start experiencing it).
Lochia, also known as postpartum bleeding, is a normal discharge of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue, that your uterus sheds after childbirth. It can be a lot or a little, depending on how much your body needs to heal itself after labour and delivery. Postpartum bleeding can be red, brown, or pink in colour, can be heavy or light, and can last between two to six weeks.
Postpartum bleeding occurs after women have given birth vaginally or by cesarean section. However, it can also happen if you've had a miscarriage or an abortion (although this is rare).
Normal postpartum bleeding is bright red and not associated with pain. You may experience heavy bleeding, light bleeding or spotting that can last up to 6 weeks after giving birth. This can be a scary time for new mums, but it's important to know that this type of bleeding is normal and typically happens in all women who have given birth.
Normal postpartum bleeding usually starts like a heavy period, with the flow gradually easing as the weeks pass. Most women find the first one to two weeks the heaviest, with the bleeding starting to ease up after four weeks. If you are breastfeeding, you might notice your bleeding is heavier, as well as if you are exercising or doing any other physical activity. Most doctors will recommend you rest as much as you can in the first few weeks after giving birth.
Your doctor will talk to you about what to expect after giving birth, so you know what to look out for when you are recovering from giving birth. Postpartum bleeding can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be painful. Keep an eye on whether you experience any of the following:
If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is a good idea to speak with your doctor.
Bleeding often lasts for around four to six weeks, and the bleeding usually happens in stages.
Here’s what you can expect:
If you're experiencing postpartum bleeding and have no idea what to do, there are some steps that can help you manage the situation.
Postpartum underwear looks and feels like regular underwear, but can absorb any leaks, help protect your clothing, and keep you feeling comfortable while you are postpartum bleeding. The underwear features an absorbent and leak-proof built-in gusset that soaks up blood and prevents stains. They can be worn for up to 12 hours, and then simply washed and reused for the duration of your postpartum bleeding. You can look at different period underwear options for postpartum here.
You'll need to make sure you choose the right postpartum pants for your body. Here are some things to think about:
If you're looking for ideas on what to wear during postpartum, we hope this article has helped you. We know that it can be difficult to find the right pair of pants after giving birth, but we want to reassure you that there are plenty of options out there. You don't need to wear something restrictive or uncomfortable, instead, choose something that makes sense for your body type and size, so you feel comfortable and confident in them!
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