Postpartum bleeding, also known as Lochia is normal. Postpartum bleeding after birth can be heavy for the first two days but then subsides.
In the first two days, you will probably require pad changes every 3-4 hours. After that, pad changes will be every 6-8 hours. If you are having postpartum bleeding, it is advised to use sanitary pads and napkins instead of tampons, as tampons increase the risk of infection in your healing vagina and uterus.
Postpartum bleeding will stop about one month after delivery. For some women, it can last for 6-8 weeks. According to an article published in the Singapore Family Physician, “After the delivery, the postpartum bleeding is initially red, slowly changing to pale brownish (lochia serosa) and finally to yellowish white (lochia alba).” Redish postpartum bleeding should start changing colour about two days post delivery.
If you are not breastfeeding, you can expect your period to resume after 6-8 weeks. If you are breastfeeding, your period will probably resume only after you stop breastfeeding.
Lochia problems – When to call the Doctor
Call the doctor if your postpartum bleeding is:
- still bright red four days after your baby’s birth.
- has a foul odour or you come down with fever.
- or if You are bleeding profusely (saturating a sanitary pad in an hour).