5 Weeks Postpartum Bleeding

Postpartum bleeding is a normal part of your recovery childbirth. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about 5 weeks postpartum bleeding.

In this article:

• What is Postpartum Bleeding?
• Is Bleeding at 5 Weeks Postpartum Normal?
• How Long Does Postpartum Bleeding Last?
• When Should I Be Worried About Postpartum Bleeding at 5 Weeks Postpartum?
• Conclusion

 

What is Postpartum Bleeding?

Lochia, or vaginal postpartum bleeding, is the discharge of blood and mucus that occurs after delivery.

Vaginal bleeding after birth is completely normal and natural.

Your body is eliminating all of the extra blood, mucus, and tissue that was required during pregnancy.

As a result, whether you gave birth vaginally or via C-section, you will experience postpartum bleeding.

Lochia is usually heavier and (often) lasts much longer than your menstrual cycle.

It also contains mucus and tissue from your uterus, mostly from where the placenta was attached, which you won’t find in a regular menstrual period.

The heaviest bleeding should last three to ten days after labour and delivery, and then it should fade to lighter bleeding or spotting.

Is Bleeding at 5 Weeks Postpartum Normal?

Postpartum bleeding 5 weeks after giving birth is completely normal- given that the bleeding is not too heavy, or is accompanied by other . It is normal for several weeks after giving birth following a vaginal delivery.

How Long Does Postpartum Bleeding Last?

Postpartum bleeding usually lasts between four and six weeks, however, it could last for up to 12 weeks!

Up to 15 percent of women will bleed for 8 weeks or longer.

How Can I Manage Postpartum Bleeding?

At 5 weeks postpartum, the bleeding is much easier to manage. However, there are some tips which can be used to make your postpartum recovery and bleeding more managable.

• Choose clothes you do not care about – Following childbirth, blood stains are inevitable. It is recommended that, following childbirth, you wear clothes which you do not mind getting stained.
• Relax – It is important to get plenty of rest following childbirth. Doing too much too soon can cause the healing process to be delayed or even make your bleeding start up again.
• Drink plenty of water – With all of the vaginal bleeding after birth, it can be easy to become dehydrated. To avoid becoming dehydrated, you should drink plenty of water.

When Should I Be Worried About Postpartum Bleeding at 5 Weeks Postpartum?

Postpartum bleeding is a completely normal occurrence, however, there are some signs that indicate there might be a complication. Below are some signs to look out for.

Bleeding that Stays Heavy

The flow of your postpartum bleeding should reduce as time progresses. Within a few days, your postpartum bleeding should have reduced to the flow of a normal period.

Here is a run down of what normal postpartum bleeding should look like day-by-day:

Day 1

On day 1, you are likely to experience bright red bleeding or brownish-red bleeding. Your flow will be heavy and you will soak one maternity pad every few hours. You may have one to two small clots (no bigger than the size of a two-pence coin).

Day 2 – 6

Between day 2 and day 6, you will likely have darker brown bleeding, or bleeding that is pinkish red. Your blood flow will be a little lighter, with 7cm to 12cm stains on your maternity pads, and blood clots that are slightly smaller.

Day 7 – 10

Between day 7 and day 10, you will continue to have darker brown or pinkish red bleeding, except it will be slightly lighter in colour. The flow will also be slightly lighter too!

Day 11 – 14

Now, between the days 11 and 14, your bleeding will still be darker brown or pinkish-red in colour, but slightly lighter again. By this stage, your sanitary pads will only be slightly stained.

Week 3 to 4

At this stage, postpartum bleeding is beginning to come to an end for many women. Between week 3 and 4, your discharge will be paler- potentially even being creamy white in colour. The flow will also be much lighter too.

Week 5 to 6

For many women, this is around when their postpartum bleeding ends. At this stage, your bleeding may be brown, pinkish-red or creamy yellow stains. You may find that you only experience postpartum bleeding on some days. This stage may last for several weeks.

Postpartum bleeding that does not seem to be easing up can be a cause for concern.

Sudden heavy bleeding at 5 weeks postpartum may be a sign of sudden blood loss – called postpartum hemorrhage- a serious but rare condition which can cause a severe drop in blood pressure, that can lead to shock and death.

Postpartum hemorrhages are experienced by as many as 1 in 20 women.

You are Passing Clots

Passing small clots after giving birth is normal for the first few days. However, if you find that you are passing clots that are larger than a golf ball, or are consistently passing small clots that are accompanied by heavier bleeding and painful cramping, you should consult your doctor to rule out any complications.

You are Feeling Weak or Dizzy

If you are feeling dizzy, light headed, or weaker than you were and your bleeding seems to be getting heavier, you should consult your doctor.

It could be a sign of a postpartum hemorrhage.

You have Bleeding that Stops and Starts

It is normal for the heaviness of your flow to vary, depending on your physical activity.

In addition to this, at 5 weeks postpartum, the bleeding you experience is often inconsistent any way!

However, if you have bleeding that stops for a while, and comes back even heavier

You have a Fever or Chills

Some symptoms that accompany postpartum bleeding can be a cause for concern.

If you experience a fever that is greater than 38°C or chills, then you should contact your doctor- especially if the fever or chills is accompanied by heavy bleeding, passing clots or severe pain.

Conclusion

Postpartum bleeding at 5 weeks postpartum is totally normal.

However, if you have any concerns about your postpartum bleeding, or you are experiencing heavy bleeding, passing of clots, painful cramps or a fever, you should contact your doctor.