Postpartum Bleeding (Lochia): What's Normal and What's Not?

I’ll never forget the moment I stood up after giving birth. I felt a gush, like my period, but way more intense.

My first thought? “Is this normal? Am I okay?” “Was this payback for not having a period throughout my pregnancy?”

If you are wondering the same, you are not alone. Postpartum bleeding, also known as lochia, happens to every new mom, but no one really talks about what to expect.

So let’s break it down together.

What is Lochia, and why does it happen?

Think of lochia as your body’s way of doing a deep clean after pregnancy.

And if you’re wondering how to say it, it’s LOW-kee-uh or LOCK-ee-uh.

It’s a mix of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue that your body sheds over a few weeks. Basically, your uterus is saying, “Alright, time to reset!”

What’s normal?

Here’s what you can typically expect:

• The first few days post-delivery: Heavy, bright red bleeding (kind of like a super period). You might also pass a few small clots.
  
  
• Week 1-2: Bleeding starts to slow down, turning pinkish or brownish.
  
  
• Week 3-6: It lightens even more, shifting to yellow or white before stopping altogether.

Bleeding is usually heavier in the morning or after a breastfeeding session (because your uterus contracts). And if you stand up after sitting for a while? Expect a little gush, it’s just gravity at work.

What’s not normal?

While some variation is okay, call your doctor/gynae if you notice more:

• Huge clots (bigger than a golf ball)
  
• Bright red bleeding that suddenly gets heavier after it was slowing down
  
• A bad smell (Lochia shouldn’t smell foul. If it does, it could mean an infection.)
  
• Feeling dizzy or weak
  
• Severe cramps that don’t go away
  
  

How to manage postpartum bleeding

• Stock up on postpartum pads. Regular pads won’t manage well in the first week. You will need those thick, heavy-duty ones, for these heavy bleeding days.
  
  
• Rest as much as possible.
  
  
• Stay hydrated and eat well. Your body is healing, and good nutrition helps.
  
  
• Moms generally avoid tampons or menstrual cups during postpartum bleeding, as these may disrupt healing and cause infection or irritation.
  
  

When does it stop?

For most moms, lochia lasts around 4-6 weeks. If you are still bleeding past that, check in with your doctor or gynae.

Lochia after a C-Section delivery

Yes, you will still experience lochia after a C-section, but it might be slightly different.

During a cesarean, doctors manually clean out the uterus to remove the placenta and membranes, which can result in less lochia compared to a vaginal delivery.

One Last Thing…

Postpartum recovery is messy, literally and emotionally. It’s okay if you are feeling overwhelmed. This phase won’t last forever. Take it one day at a time, and be gentle with yourself. Rest well, and have a smooth recovery during this tender period.

References: Postpartum Care of the New Mother

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