Is it normal to pass blood clots postpartum?

Last reviewed June 19, 2026 by Dr. Sapna Jadhav, General Physician. Sources from ACOG, NHS, Mayo Clinic, CDC, NICE, NIH, Cochrane, and peer-reviewed journals.

Bottom lineSmall blood clots in the first days after birth are normal, but clots bigger than a golf ball, several large clots, or clots with heavy bleeding or faintness need urgent medical care.

Passing some blood clots in the first few days after birth is normal. Small clots - up to about the size of a grape - are common as the uterus sheds its lining. Large clots, or many clots, need medical attention.

What's normal

• Small clots, especially in the first 24-48 hours
• A clot when you first stand up in the morning, after blood has pooled overnight
• Clots that get smaller and less frequent as the days pass

What's not normal

Call your provider or seek urgent care if you:

• Pass clots bigger than a golf ball
• Pass several large clots
• Have heavy bleeding with the clots (soaking a pad an hour)
• Feel faint, dizzy, or notice a racing heart

Large or frequent clots with heavy bleeding can be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage or retained placental tissue.

A practical tip

Keep an eye on size by comparing clots to everyday objects (grape, golf ball). If you're unsure, it's always reasonable to call.

Femora helps you note clots and flow so you can describe changes accurately to your provider.