Bleeding After A C-Section

After having a c-section there is a certain amount of bleeding that is to be expected. This is referred to as the post-natal discharge or Lochia bleeding. Every woman experiences it after having a baby, c-section or vaginal.  This is the old blood left over from the delivery, and originates from where the placenta was attached to the uterine wall.

How much bleeding is normal after a c-section?

After your c-section you will experience bright red bleeding that should taper off to a pinkish color, then a brownish-yellow and then onto a white color.  If you notice that you are passing some clots don't be alarmed, this is often normal.  If the clots are larger than a golf ball, then contact your doctor.

The flow is always heavier immediately after surgery and for about the first 4-5 days but it should get progressively lighter after about 10-12 days and on up to 6 weeks.

If there are days when you don't have any bleeding but then there are other days where you do bleed, this is generally an indication that you are doing too much or over-exerting yourself.  If this happens it's a sign that you need to stop what you are doing and take it easy for a few days or possibly a week.

If you experience uncontrollable, heavy bleeding which could be categorized as soaking a towel in the span of about an hour or your completely soaking pad several pads within a few hours, then you will need immediate medical attention.  Damage to major blood vessels can be a serious complication of having a c-section and this may indicate such a problem, so don't hesitate to contact your doctor right away.

Don't use tampons while you are bleeding during this time.  After your c-section you are at risk of internal infections and tampons could contribute to such infections so avoid using them until your body has completely healed.

Getting your periods and Menstrual Cycle back

After your body has healed from the surgery and all the bleeding has stopped, you may be wondering when you'll begin your next period again.  This can take anywhere from 45 days to 3 months.  If you are breastfeeding it will probably take longer. Breastfeeding can slow down the production of some hormones causing a delay of your period for 12 weeks or maybe more.  But also beware that a woman can still ovulate during this time of no bleeding, so keep that in mind if getting pregnant again is a concern.

After having a c-section or even a vaginal birth for that matter, you could experience a difference in your periods. Some women experience lighter periods, some could experience heavier periods.  It doesn't really have to do with a c-section, it just sometimes happens.