After delivery, you will experience bright red bleeding that is very heavy. Any vaginal bleeding can seem to be too much, after not bleeding for 9 months! Bleeding after giving birth can be normal as this is the way that your body gets rid of the womb after you deliver your baby.
What does postpartum bleeding look like?
The flow of lochia (bleeding after giving birth) will be very heavy and bright red at first. It might have clots in it. The colour of the flow will change gradually to pink, and then to brown. Eventually, the flow will change to yellow-white, much like your period.
How long does the bleeding last?
Immediately after you deliver, you will have lochia from your vagina. The discharge will change color to pinkish in a week’s time, and eventually become yellowish or white after about 10 days. You may have lochia lasting for about 2 to 4 weeks, and might come and disappear for like two months. Red lochia will reduce within the first few weeks as the flow gradually becomes less. However, if you try to do a lot of activity too soon, the flow might reappear. A sign that you need to slow down on your level of activity is the appearance of bright red blood.
What should you do during this period
1. Ensure absolute hygiene
You might need to change a pad hourly, or every two hours to start with, then every three or four hours in the coming days or weeks. Ensure that you wash your hands before and after changing your pad. Other than regularly changing your maternity pad, take a shower at least once a day, to ensure that this part is kept clean so as to prevent infections.
If you have vaginal stitches, don’t be afraid to clean it. Blood will tend to get trapped around the wound, so be gentle but don’t neglect that area!
2. Keep off the tampons for awhile
Other than stocking up on maternity pads, you really do not need to do anything out of the ordinary. Two or three packs of maternity pads will do. It is advised that you do not use tampons for the first six or so weeks, as using tampons can introduce a bacteria into your uterus that is still healing, which might cause an infection.
3. Consider disposable underwear
As the flow can be pretty heavy, it is not advisable to wear your favourite underwear to soon. The chances of you staining them will be high. It’s convenient to use disposables and it saves you the trouble of having to wash them! During confinement, anything to save you time and effort is always a great idea.
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