Why Bleeding After Delivery Happens: Key Factors and Solutions

Bleeding and excessive flow of mucus after delivery is called Lochia, which starts after delivery and continues for ten days. Light bleeding and spotting may occur for four to six weeks after pregnancy.

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There may be a little bleeding after delivery. All women bleed a little during and after delivery. A few days after giving birth, you may feel like you are having a heavy period, as the amount of blood in your body increases by about 50 per cent during pregnancy. So your body is well prepared for this normal bleeding.

When the placenta separates from the uterus, there are open blood vessels in the area where it is attached, which causes bleeding in the uterus. After the placenta separates, the uterus contracts, closing those blood vessels and reducing bleeding. If you had an episiotomy or incision during delivery, you may bleed from that area until it is stitched up.

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The nurse will massage your uterus and may give you synthetic oxytocin to induce contractions. Breastfeeding releases natural oxytocin in the body which also helps your uterus contract. This is why you feel cramps even during the recovery period afterward.Sometimes the uterus does not contract well after delivery, resulting in excessive bleeding called postpartum hemorrhage.

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If you feel spotting again after the lochia subsides, it is just a sign that you will have less bleeding now. But if you experience this spotting for the next few days, then do get a checkup done by your doctor.Speak to the doctor immediately if you experience excessive bleeding or any of the following -

• The blood is dark red even after four days of childbirth.
• The lochia smells strong or you have fever or chills. These can be symptoms of infection after delivery. 
• You have abnormally heavy bleeding.

All these are signs of late postpartum bleeding and require immediate attention.

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Whether it is a normal delivery or a cesarean delivery, every new mother bleeds after giving birth to a baby. Most of the bleeding occurs from where the placenta separates from the uterine wall. But it can also be caused by any incision or injury during delivery.

The bleeding that occurs after childbirth can be excessive, but it gradually subsides over time, within a few weeks. The bleeding starts out dark red and then changes color and turns brown over the next few days as your uterus heals and returns to its pre-pregnancy size. However, bleeding should stop completely after six weeks of delivery. The bleeding gradually subsides but it may start again if you try to do household chores too soon.

Heavy bleeding can also occur if you breastfeed. You may also experience period-like pain and cramps, called postpartum pain. These occur because breastfeeding causes your womb to contract. If you are carrying twins or more, the pain may be even worse. You can ease the pain with the help of Ibuprofen, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID).

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Initially, use sanitary pads that are used for heavy bleeding. You will be sent home from the hospital.Do not use tampons for at least six weeks. Your vagina and uterus are still healing, so they are more susceptible to infection. Try to urinate, even if you don't feel the need to. For a few days after you give birth, your bladder is less sensitive than normal, so you may not feel the need to urinate. In addition to causing urinary problems, a full bladder prevents your uterus from contracting, which can lead to more pain and bleeding later.Get as much rest as you can. If you work out too much, you may bleed for a longer period of time or bleed even after the lochia has subsided or stopped.

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Bleeding after delivery, called postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), is a serious condition in which excessive bleeding occurs after delivery. It usually occurs in the first 24 hours after delivery, but sometimes it can happen several weeks later. The major causes include the uterus not contracting fully, the placenta being stuck in the uterus, and tears in the uterus or vagina. Its symptoms may include heavy bleeding, weakness, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat. This condition should be treated immediately, which may include medications, uterine massage, and surgery in severe cases. Timely medical intervention and regular prenatal care can reduce the risk of this condition.