Do you bleed less if you have a C-section? Is it immediately? The bleeding is heaviest right after birth and slowly decreases over the following 3 or 4 days. The discharge is dark red with blood clots. But then it started back up again. People who had a cesarean section, however, might have less lochia after twenty-four hours postpartum than someone who had a vaginal birth. This is the last stage of lochia and represents the complete healing of the uterus. It also has some components that you won't find in a basic menstrual period, like mucus and tissue from your uterus, mostly from where the placenta was attached. Most women lose 13 pounds (6 kilograms) during birth, including the weight of the baby, placenta and amniotic fluid. This is normal. If you’ve had a cesarean delivery (c-section), you will still bleed for several weeks, but it might be less than if you had delivered vaginally. Apparent absence of lochia after elective caesarean section. After my c-section, I was surprised at how little bleeding I had. I didnt bleed much with my first that was c-section either. You should still expect dark red blood that gradually changes from brown to yellow to white over several weeks. Ive read that around day 10 that it sould be yellowish or white discharge. By the time I left the hospital my bleeding was that of a normal period or less. If you have a vaginal delivery or Cesarean section, you’ll have vaginal bleeding and discharge after birth. Lochia tends to take slightly longer to resolve after Caesarean section as the uterus may be a bit slow to involute – which means return to normal size,’ he explains. Why Does Lochia Happen? Lochia is a part of the postpartum process where you had a cesarian section of vaginal birth. Postpartum Bleeding Lochia Bleeding is the name given to postpartum bleeding. This length of time will see a change in the substance’s color as it goes from a dark red to pink. Lochia that remain red and abundant for longer than usual may indicate delayed involution of the uterus, which may be due to retention of a piece of placenta within the uterus and/or to infection. Usually, your lochia will be bright red for roughly a week after having a C-section. Postpartum Bleeding after giving birth is one of the weirdest things ever for any newbie mom. Lochia is part of your postpartum healing process, whether you give birth vaginally or by cesarean section. 1. This is called lochia. You will have some vaginal bleeding (called lochia) for 2–6 weeks after the birth. Moms who have cesarean sections may have less lochia after 24 hours than moms who had vaginal deliveries. While lochia is harmless don’t ignore heavy bleeding. During a c section I believe they typically suction out all the blood in your uterus during surgery. At first, it’ll look and feel like a heavy period, but after a few days, it should subside to some light spotting. It has never completely stopped. It has now been over 3 weeks and the amount keeps easing up and then starting again. Postpartum bleeding usually refers to the vaginal discharge that appears after giving birth whether you give birth vaginally or via a cesarean section. Hardly anything. alimcn. Posted 1/6/11. Lasted about 4 weeks. However, overall it can last four to six weeks after delivery. Expect to use pads regularly for several weeks (or a few months) postpartum whether you had a vaginal birth or a c-section. At this time, it’s important to observe how many sanitary pads you’ve changed in an hour as this could quickly tell if something is wrong. A few small blood clots, no larger than a plum, are normal. Lochia. It's red for the first three to four days, then it turns into a pink-brown flow. If you have a c-section, you might be surprised to learn that you’ll still experience lochia and postpartum discharge. Lochia (vaginal discharge) It has a stale, musty odor like menstrual discharge. Jun 7, 2017 at 1:54 PM. Postpartum bleeding called lochia is a normal part of your recovery after birth. Lochia after c-section. After abt 2 weeks though, there was a big gush at around 3 am in the morning, and then spotting for a few days then it stopped. Lochia bleeding needs to be monitored in the first few weeks after the delivery. Sorry if TMI, I just need some answers. The color and consistency of lochia changes as the days go on postpartum. A note from Cleveland Clinic. But what is not commonly talked about is the four to six weeks of postpartum bleeding and discharge that occurs after birth, otherwise known as lochia. Lochia after c section alicia73. If the bleeding continues beyond that or becomes heavier, it is advisable to consult a doctor as it might indicate signs of infections. It is normal for a woman to bleed for four to six weeks after a C-section. It is a mixture of blood, mucus and uterine tissue. Many women believe that the flow of lochia is less after a cesarian section since the uterine cavity is cleaned out after the birth of the baby. 2002 Sep;22(5):558. doi: 10.1080/014436102760298872. It mostly consists of mucus, white blood cells, decidua and epithelial cells. This postpartum period is one way your body recovers post pregnancy. As a result, you'll experience postpartum bleeding whether you gave birth vaginally or had a C-section. Basically, your uterus is shedding the mucosal membrane that lined it during your pregnancy. Yes, you’ll experience bleeding after birth with a C-section, but it won't be the same as with a vaginal delivery. Sometimes lochia may totally resolve in two weeks, or it may persist for 10. It usually takes four to six weeks for a woman to recover after a C-section – and even then most moms suffer from backache for another 3 to 4 months or so. Lochia is a discharge that comes out of a woman’s vagina after she has given birth. Lochia looks “bloody” at first, which is why it is sometimes referred to as postpartum bleeding. However, lochia is made up of more than just red blood cells, and it is also not a menstrual bleed—although it certainly seems to make up for the 9 months of not menstruating! Lochia is vaginal bleeding that occurs after childbirth, even if you had a C-section. Guess its normal that some people dont bleed a lot. Foul smelling lochia after c section. My son was born 11/3 via c-section. This bleeding happens after vaginal and c-section births. Authors S S Bollapragada 1 , L C Edozien. Every woman that gives birth will experience this no matter if it was via cesarean section or vaginal birth. It is important to mention that bleeding after a C-section can differ from person to person – it may last from a few days to few weeks. This substance is known as lochia. You may experience lochia for up to six weeks, but the color and amount of the lochia will diminish with time. You may also experience pink or watery discharge from your incision following a C-section. Apparent absence of lochia after elective caesarean section J Obstet Gynaecol. It mainly comes from where the placenta was attached to the womb. The lochia will change in color as well, turning brown, lighter red, light pink, and finally, white after a … In most cases, the bleeding stops within 3-4 weeks, but the discharge may continue for more than 6 weeks. And as expected, you will have heavier bleeding (with occasional blood clots). Lochia can last up … This will last for about a fortnight. I was wondering how long bleeding (lochia) normally lasts. It will eventually even be clear and white. Lochia with offensive odour may indicate infection. Posted 1/6/11. Which I had but now its more red. Lochia is the vaginal discharge you have after a vaginal delivery. This is not true. Lochia is a normal part of the healing process after giving … You don’t want to discuss bleeding with your friends and parents. ... is excessive when it’s more than 500 milliliters of blood after vaginal birth and more than 1,000 milliliters after a C-section. However, the bleeding should stop by 12 weeks after birth ( 3 ). During the first three to four days after delivery, lochia will be more abundant than menstrual discharge, and then the amount will decrease. It is a normal part of the healing process and not a cause for concern. The amount and duration is the same in both cases. Lochia is the lining of the uterus that is shed after giving birth. I delivered my baby via c section four weeks ago. ... Can you walk too much after C-section? A few small blood clots, no larger than a plum, are normal. Lochia is a combination of blood, placental tissue, mucus, cells, and bacteria coming from the wound that occurred when your placenta tore away from your uterine wall. This may sound stupid but Ive read so much stuff about lochia but really nothing about your first period. Lochia: What to expect weeks 2-6 If you have been getting enough rest, you will be feeling much better! It is still pretty red … Then it will taper, become increasingly watery and change from pinkish brown to yellowish white until it goes away after 4 to 6 weeks. babysmiles0612. 2. After this time, it should change to dark red, brownish, or even pinkish. Im having my first cesarean in 2 weeks and wondering what to expect and how to prepare. When do you start vaginal bleeding (lochia) after a cesarean? For the fourth through tenth day after delivery, the lochia will be more watery and pinkish to brownish in color. During this postpartum bleeding stage, the discharge is red in color (rubra) and lasts from the first postpartum day to the fourth, and occasionally the seventh, postpartum day. Those who had a cesarean section will see less bleeding after that 24-hour mark. How long do you bleed for after a c-section? Lochia for the first 3 days after delivery is dark red in color. The upside is that the bleeding might be a bit less heavy for you than it is for those moms who’ve had vaginal births. Lochia will be bright red and heavy for the first few days. Lochia discharge typically continues for four to eight weeks after childbirth, a time known as the postpartum period or puerperium. Right after your c section, lochia is bright red. If there’s a foul smell call your OB, Some women will notice an odor from their vaginal discharge in the weeks immediately after giving birth, For the fourth through tenth day after delivery, Duration of bleeding after delivery, [PDF]Vaginal Flow / Discharge (Lochia) Whether you deliver vaginally or by C-section, This postpartum symptom is caused by … In the field of obstetrics, lochia is the vaginal discharge after giving birth, containing blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. But the fact is that Postpartum bleeding is known as lochia also is normal natural for all women after vaginal or C-section delivery. Lochia is very similar to the bleeding you experience during your menstrual period, however, it is much heavier. The flow of lochia is not dependent on the type of delivery - normal vaginal childbirth or C-section. Lochia alba; After another week or so, you will notice that the discharge will turn whitish and the amount of blood discharge will reduce to spotting. m. MaryAnne78. Basically, your uterus is shedding the mucosal membrane that lined it during your pregnancy. Blood, fetal membrane fragments, decidua, meconium, and cervical discharge make up the majority of it. Hi my LO is now 8 weeks old and I am still bleeding. Postpartum bleeding usually refers to the vaginal discharge that appears after giving birth whether you give birth vaginally or via a cesarean section. I had read that was normal because your doctor cleans you out pretty good during the surgery. Bleeding sometimes lasts longer than this, but it should have stopped by 12 weeks. By Cassondra Moriarty | Dec 31, 2020 Medically reviewed by Patricia Jay, MD. ... Im still bleeding and we are 4.5 weeks post section to, after ds1 i bled for 9 weeks post section so not too concerned yet! Some women may bleed for a little longer. This is known as lochia. Lochia’s length of time depends on the woman. During your recovery, you'll drop more weight as your body gets rid of excess fluids. Lochia is typically heavier and (often much) longer-lasting than your menstrual cycle. Some women are relieved to not have a period for the duration of a pregnancy, and for at least the first few months of breastfeeding. My bleeding has become heavier and I have what feels like severe menstrual cramps. The discharge, known as lochia, consists of blood and placental tissue. Lochia Rubra. Lochia for the first 3 days after delivery is dark red in color. It has now changed to a stringly mucus discharge which is also bloody. The amount and duration is the same in both cases. It about stopped after a week. Lochia after a Cesarian Section. What you can expect is that the color of the lochia flow changes over time. It's red for the first three to four days, then it turns into a pink-brown flow. The amount of lochia flow usually trails off with time, getting lighter around three weeks after delivery. If you pass large clots, tell your doctor, as this may be a sign of a possible issue. Lochia 8 weeks post c-section - TMI Warning. My doctor said the bleeding could last up to six weeks, but I am wondering why the bleeding has become heavier with cramping. The discharge, known as lochia, consists of blood and placental tissue. In the days that follow your C-section, your bleeding should get lighter. After your C-section, you might look like you're still pregnant. After about 10-14 days, you should begin to notice much less bleeding, too. If placental tissue is retained the uterus remains enlarged and this may show on an ultrasound scan. Lochia is a combination of mucus, tissues, and blood. ... Postpartum bleeding is called Lochia bleeding. It has a stale, musty odor like menstrual discharge. It is the way in which your body expels excess mucus, placental tissue, and blood after giving birth. The flow of lochia is not dependent on the type of delivery – normal vaginal childbirth or C-section. The lochia is made of blood, tissue, and mucous similar to a menstrual period.