How do I manage postpartum bleeding?

Bottom lineManage postpartum bleeding (lochia) - normal as your uterus heals - by using maternity pads not tampons, changing them regularly, resting, and keeping up fluids and fiber; it starts red and heavy then fades to pink, brown, and yellow over about six weeks, but get urgent care for soaking a pad every hour, large clots, a foul smell or fever, sudden heavier bleeding, or feeling faint.

Postpartum bleeding (lochia) is normal as your uterus heals and sheds its lining after birth. It's heaviest in the first few days and tapers over several weeks. Managing it is mostly about comfort and watching for warning signs.

Day-to-day management

• Use maternity pads, not tampons, until bleeding stops - tampons raise infection risk while you're healing
• Change pads regularly and wash your hands before and after
• Rest - overdoing activity can make bleeding heavier again
• Keep up fluids and fiber to avoid straining with constipation

What's normal

• Bleeding starts red and heavy, then turns pink, brown, and finally creamy or yellow
• It usually lasts up to about six weeks
• It can briefly increase with activity or breastfeeding

Warning signs - get help

Contact a clinician urgently for:

• Soaking a pad every hour, or large clots (bigger than a golf ball)
• A foul smell, fever, or chills (possible infection)
• Bleeding that suddenly gets heavier after slowing
• Feeling faint, dizzy, or breathless

See when to call about postpartum bleeding for more.

Femora helps you track your bleeding over the weeks so you can tell normal tapering from a concerning change.