Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
How Long Does Bleeding Last After Delivery?
Hi,
I am a first time mother of a 5 week old. i know bleeding after birth is normal, but i was to the point of just spotting, then i started to bleed again a little bit more the spotting. I was wondering if that was normal or something i sho0uld be concerned about??
Thanks Casey
I am a first time mother of a 5 week old. i know bleeding after birth is normal, but i was to the point of just spotting, then i started to bleed again a little bit more the spotting. I was wondering if that was normal or something i sho0uld be concerned about??
Thanks Casey
Tue, 20 Oct 2015
Dear Mumma,
Bleeding even 5 weeks after the delivery is not normal and is an issue of concern.
Usually after a normal delivery, for first 2-3 days, the bleeding is very fresh, then it starts becoming pinkish, yellowish and by the end of 10 days, the bleeding stops completely.
Please palpate your abdomen on a lying down position to feel your uterus. By 5 weeks, the uterus becomes completely pelvic organ and is not felt abdominally. If you can feel it, it suggests that there is some problem in the reproductory organs to come back to the non-pregnant state. You will have to report to the Obstetrician.
The main causes of bleeding even after 5 weeks are infection, non-contracting or poorly contracting uterus, remains of some tissue inside the uterus or chorionic tissue development which could be cancer also. Please get your hCG levels done. If it is still present, it suggests cancer of chorionic tissue for which detailed investigations will be required.
The infection will cause foul smelling discharge also. If it is not there, you may rule infection out.
Are you breast feeding the baby exclusively and regularly? Breast feeding does help control uterine bleeding and stop it in time.
Please do not ignore this spotting. Report to your obstetrician. You will be treated as per the diagnosis.
Bleeding even 5 weeks after the delivery is not normal and is an issue of concern.
Usually after a normal delivery, for first 2-3 days, the bleeding is very fresh, then it starts becoming pinkish, yellowish and by the end of 10 days, the bleeding stops completely.
Please palpate your abdomen on a lying down position to feel your uterus. By 5 weeks, the uterus becomes completely pelvic organ and is not felt abdominally. If you can feel it, it suggests that there is some problem in the reproductory organs to come back to the non-pregnant state. You will have to report to the Obstetrician.
The main causes of bleeding even after 5 weeks are infection, non-contracting or poorly contracting uterus, remains of some tissue inside the uterus or chorionic tissue development which could be cancer also. Please get your hCG levels done. If it is still present, it suggests cancer of chorionic tissue for which detailed investigations will be required.
The infection will cause foul smelling discharge also. If it is not there, you may rule infection out.
Are you breast feeding the baby exclusively and regularly? Breast feeding does help control uterine bleeding and stop it in time.
Please do not ignore this spotting. Report to your obstetrician. You will be treated as per the diagnosis.
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....