How to stop postpartum bleeding faster
Congratulations on the birth of your new baby! There is so much for you to look forward to! The body changes a lot after birth, and it can cause new things to happen, such as bleeding. In this article, we’re looking into how to stop postpartum bleeding faster.
This blog includes:
- What is postpartum bleeding?
- Postpartum bleeding stages
- Bleeding after birth stopped, then started again – is it normal postpartum?
- How to stop postpartum bleeding faster
- When do I need to seek advice on postpartum bleeding?
- Signs of overdoing it postpartum
- How to care for yourself during postpartum recovery
During pregnancy, labour and after birth, the body goes through many changes. The type of labour you have can also cause things to change even more. Before leaving the hospital, healthcare professionals will ensure that you have access to everything you need. They’ll provide you with information about recovery and more.
It’s very important to be patient with yourself after giving birth, as the body has been through a lot. You’re likely to experience many physical side effects, but you may also experience changes mentally too. If you find yourself struggling, you should seek medical advice. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone and that help is available.
One thing you may experience after giving birth is postpartum bleeding.
What is postpartum bleeding?
Postpartum bleeding, also called lochia, is common after giving birth. Often lochia can be described as a combination of blood and discharge from the vagina.
Many women notice that lochia is heavier than bleeding they have experienced before. Postpartum bleeding can also vary depending on whether you choose to breastfeed or not. Breastfeeding allows the uterus to contract more, potentially leading to heavier bleeding and more cramps. Read our blog on: can you get pregnant while breastfeeding?
Dealing with postpartum bleeding can be frustrating, but it is a normal part of having a newborn. It’s advised that you only use sanitary towels rather than tampons while experiencing postpartum bleeding to reduce the risks of infection.
Causes of postpartum bleeding after vaginal birth
- Uterine atony
- Laceration
- Retained placenta
- Placenta accreta
- Uterine inversion
Causes of postpartum bleeding after c-section
- Uterine rupture/trauma
- Uterine atony
- Placenta accreta
Postpartum bleeding stages
Unfortunately, there’s no way of knowing how long your bleeding will last. Some women may only bleed for a few weeks, while others may find it’s closer to a few months. You may consider seeking advice if your bleeding shows no signs of stopping after a couple of months.
On average, postpartum bleeding lasts between four to six weeks. During this time, the bleeding will likely become lighter. In the early stages of lochia, you may notice blood clots; seek advice if you are worried.
- Immediately after birth: Red (fresh) blood, likely to be heavy bleeding and need frequent sanitary changes. You may find yourself passing clots during vaginal bleeding.
- Days 2 – 6: Blood may become slightly pinker, and there may be less heavy bleeding.
- Days 7 – 10: Blood may be brown or lighter pink, and lighter bleeding may start.
- Days 11 – 14: Continued colours, lighter again.
- Days 14 – 21: Bleeding may be less prominent, but discharge remains.
- Days 22 – 28: More staining (could be brown, pink or yellowish-white), which may last for a few weeks.
It’s important to remember that every woman is different and, therefore, will experience things in different ways. If your bleeding doesn’t follow this pattern, it may not be a cause for concern.
Seek advice if you do feel worried. A healthcare professional can assess your situation and potentially perform tests to check for any underlying causes.
Bleeding after birth stopped, then started again – is it normal postpartum?
In some cases, it can be normal for bleeding to stop and then start again. However, if your bleeding continues to change, it’s best to seek advice.
For some women, changes in blood flow can be caused by becoming more active. After giving birth, you’re encouraged to rest, but it’s still a good idea to get out and about when you can. Women who have c-sections are told to rest for longer before taking on normal tasks again.
If your bleeding has stopped for a few weeks, be aware that this could be your menstrual cycle returning to normal. Read our blog on the first period postpartum. You can also read about what happens when you have no period after pregnancy and when to worry.
Postpartum hemorrhage
Some women can suffer from a postpartum hemorrhage. A doctor can help you with postpartum hemorrhaging, also known as severe postnatal blood loss.
Some risk factors for a postpartum hemorrhage before labour include placenta previa, high blood pressure/pre-eclampsia and a high BMI (body mass index).
Some risk factors for a postpartum hemorrhage during labour include a c-section delivery or ventouse birth, a retained placenta or having long labour.
You will be informed if you are at a higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage, this will be monitored throughout pregnancy. If you continue losing blood, you will be monitored. They will check your blood pressure and respiratory rate. You may need to have a blood transfusion to help reduce the effects of how much blood you have lost.
How to stop postpartum bleeding faster
The reasons for bleeding after giving birth can vary depending on the type of delivery you have (vaginal birth or c-section), and it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. Bleeding is completely normal postpartum and shouldn’t cause you to worry. If you are worried about lost blood – seek advice.
Generally, you have to wait until your postpartum bleeding has stopped on its own. However, if you are bleeding for much longer than expected or you are losing blood in clots, you should always seek advice. A healthcare provider may be able to provide you with some treatment, such as medication, that can help you with excessive postpartum bleeding.
Immediately after birth, a healthcare professional may massage the tummy area. This uterine massage helps the uterus contract and makes it easier for blood clots to pass through. If you want to stop postpartum bleeding faster, you’ll likely need to wait until your body is ready.
When do I need to seek advice on postpartum bleeding?
In the very early stages of postpartum bleeding, you may find that your maternity towel needs changing every few hours. If you’re bleeding much more than this, you should call your doctor for some advice.
Additionally, if you are passing many or large clots, you should speak to a healthcare professional. They may be able to provide you with some treatment and may perform tests to ensure that everything is fine.
Signs of overdoing it postpartum
Giving birth is a very big thing to go through, so you need to give your body time to rest afterwards. If your vaginal bleeding changes, it could be a sign that you’re doing too much. Additionally, you may feel more tired than normal – of course, this is common for postpartum women with a new baby!
You’ll be visited by a health visitor who can give you advice based on your situation.
Be sure to eat a balanced diet and ensure that you drink plenty of water too. A healthy diet can help you to feel more energised and keep your body fit and well.
How to care for yourself during postpartum recovery
Caring for yourself and your baby can be hard work, but you’ve definitely got this! There is lots of support available to new parents and a lot of information, too, if you’re unsure of anything.
Being a new parent can be overwhelming, but it’s important not to compare yourself to others. We’re all going at our own pace!
Follow any medical advice
It’s always best to follow medical advice and always ask if you aren’t sure about anything. Medical professionals will be able to provide you with the most accurate advice regarding your personal circumstances.
Eat a healthy diet
Your diet can really help you to feel more energised and ready to take on the day. Eating well can also help you to stay healthy and keep some illnesses away.
Rest
We’re sure your sleeping pattern isn’t quite what it used to be anymore, and there’s no way of knowing when it will change. Try your best to rest when your baby does, and take time to relax with a great book or your favourite film.
Exercise – only when you are told you can
Getting some gentle exercise is a fantastic way to release positive hormones. A great exercise to get you back into things is simply walking!
Taking your baby out in the pram gets you both some fresh air and can be great for their development when they get a little older.
Accept any help
Sometimes it can be hard to accept help from other people, but now is a great time to do so. Family and friends may offer to cook, clean or even watch your baby for an hour or so, giving you time to do something for yourself.
Join baby groups
There are lots of baby groups around for new parents to try out. These are likely to be playgroups that will help your baby’s sensory development. Use our directory to find baby groups near you.
We hope this article has been helpful regarding how to stop postpartum bleeding faster. Ultimately, the bleeding will stop when it is ready to. However, if you feel concerned at all, you should always seek medical advice. This means that professionals can be sure there are no underlying causes.
Hey there, I’m Abigail!
In 2022, I graduated with a First Class Degree in Marketing and since then, I have been working as a blogger and Marketing Assistant. Before heading to university, I also achieved a BTEC in Children’s Play, Learning and Development.
I have been blogging for over four years and have covered many topics during this time. My focus has been on pregnancy, babies, sleep and baby name ideas.
I am passionate about learning new things and helping others. I hope that you find my blogs useful and informative. See you in the next article!