How long does postpartum bleeding last?

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 linePostpartum bleeding (lochia) usually lasts about 4 to 6 weeks, starting heavy and red, then fading to pink, brown, and finally a yellow-white discharge.

Postpartum bleeding, called lochia, usually lasts about 4 to 6 weeks after birth. It's heaviest in the first few days and gradually tapers off, regardless of whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section.

How it changes over time

• Days 1-4: Bright or dark red and fairly heavy, sometimes with small clots.
• Days 5-10: Lighter flow, turning pinkish or brown.
• Weeks 2-6: A creamy yellow or white discharge that slowly stops.

What's normal

Light bleeding or spotting can come and go for up to 6 weeks. Activity, standing up, and breastfeeding can briefly increase the flow, which is expected.

When to seek help

Call your provider if you soak a maxi pad in an hour, pass clots bigger than a golf ball, the blood smells foul, or bleeding suddenly turns bright red and heavy again after it had settled. These can signal heavy postpartum bleeding or infection.

Femora helps you log your bleeding so you can see when lochia is fading - and when it isn't.

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