When complications occur

Blood loss after birth

Is it normal to bleed after birth?

Yes, bleeding in the days or weeks after birth (also called lochia) is completely normal and occurs regardless of whether you have a vaginal or caesarean birth.

How much bleeding is considered ‘normal’?

Women’s experiences of bleeding after birth vary considerably. In the first few days after birth, the majority of women experience moderate to heavy bleeding, however some experience minimal bleeding. This early bleeding is usually more red in colour.

Over the next few days to weeks, this bleeding will gradually decrease and will change colour. Women describe their blood loss to be browny-red, pinky-red, pale pink or a creamy colour.

The majority of women will stop bleeding between four and six weeks, however some women experience bleeding for longer than this. It is also common for bleeding to be heavier after breastfeeding.

More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines parent information – Bleeding after birth

Abnormal blood loss

How much bleeding is too much?

• if you have a sudden and continued increase in your blood loss
• if the blood suddenly changes in colour to a brighter red
• if you are experiencing heavy blood loss and are feeling dizzy, weak, sweaty, pale, have a fast heartbeat or rapid pulse
• if your vaginal discharge is offensive (smelly) – this may indicate infection.

Every woman is different, however, as a general guide – if it has been more than 24 hours since birth and you are soaking more than one maxi-pad every two hours, you may be bleeding too much. If this is happening - call your doctor, midwife or 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines parent information – Bleeding after birth

In this guide:

1. Plans may change
2. Pre-eclampsia
3. Preterm birth
4. Breech
5. What if my pregnancy is ‘overdue’?
6. How will my baby’s heart rate be monitored during my labour?
7. Concerns for baby in labour
8. Antibiotic treatment during labour
9. Blood loss after birth

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