Postpartum Bleeding

If you’re navigating the early days after giving birth to your most beautiful bundle of joy, you may be wondering what’s normal when it comes to postpartum bleeding. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, bleeding is a totally natural part of your body’s recovery process, but it can also be surprising, especially if no one prepared you for how long or heavy it might be. Understanding what to expect from postpartum bleeding can help you feel more grounded and confident as you heal. 

This guide walks you through postpartum bleeding: what’s normal, what’s unusual, the day-by-day process, and more!

How Much Postpartum Bleeding Is Normal?

Vaginal bleeding after delivery is a normal and natural process. It’s all part of your body’s healing and returning to homeostasis after having your baby.

Vaginal bleeding is expected whether you have a vaginal delivery or a C-section. At first, this bleeding will look and feel like a very heavy period and will change over time. Occasionally, you may also notice some blood clots on your pad/underwear or falling into the toilet when you use the bathroom.

Cramping is normal and expected as the uterus decreases in size; however, a sudden increase in abdominal pain, fever, or foul odor would be out of the ordinary and a reason to seek medical care.

Bleeding In The First Few Hours After Birth

After you’ve just given birth to your baby, bleeding will resemble a heavy period with some clots. It is not uncommon to pass clots up to the size of the palm of your hand, so if this happens to you, there’s no need to panic. This will be especially noticeable when you sit on the toilet or stand after lying down for a period of time.

It is very important that you empty your bladder frequently during this time to keep the bleeding under control. If your bladder is very full, your uterus will be unable to properly contract.

Bleeding In The First 3-7 Days

During the first week postpartum, bleeding is typically still red, but you’ll likely notice it starting to gradually decrease in volume. Around days 3 to 5, it may shift to a darker brown or rust-like color as your body begins healing. This change is completely normal and simply reflects older blood leaving the uterus. 

You might still pass a few small clots, especially after breastfeeding or standing up after resting—both of which can cause temporary increases in flow. You should still change your pads regularly, and if you notice any large clots or sudden spikes in bleeding, these should be reported to your provider.

Bleeding After The First Week

As you move into the second week postpartum, bleeding typically continues to slow down and becomes much lighter in flow. The color often shifts to a pink or light brown hue, which is a good sign that your uterus is healing and the bleeding is tapering off. 

You may notice that the bleeding becomes more intermittent (heavier after physical activity or when breastfeeding, and lighter after periods of rest). This kind of fluctuation is common and usually not a cause for concern. At this stage, many parents switch from heavy postpartum pads to lighter ones or panty liners for comfort.

Bleeding 10-14 Days Postpartum

By the time you reach the 10-14 day mark, most bleeding has tapered off, and what you’re likely seeing now is lochia in its final stages. The discharge typically changes to a yellowish or creamy white color and may become thinner or more mucus-like in consistency. 

This is your body’s way of shedding the remaining uterine lining and healing tissue. While the flow is usually very light at this point, it can still increase slightly after physical exertion or if you’ve done too much too soon. Listening to your body and prioritizing rest can help prevent setbacks in your recovery.

When will the bleeding stop?

For most people, postpartum bleeding gradually comes to an end by around six weeks after birth. Some may stop bleeding earlier, while others may continue to see light spotting or occasional discharge for a little longer—both are within the range of normal. It’s important to remember that your body is going through a significant healing process, especially if you experienced any tearing, had a C-section, or delivered a larger baby. 

If the bleeding seems to pause and then resumes (especially after increased activity), that can be your body’s signal to slow down. As always, if bleeding becomes heavy again or if you notice anything unusual, it’s a good idea to check in with your provider.

When Is Postpartum Bleeding Too Much?

While postpartum bleeding is expected, there are certain signs that may indicate something more serious. If you find yourself soaking through a pad every hour or more frequently, that’s a red flag. Similarly, passing clots that are the size of a golf ball or larger could signal excessive bleeding, known as postpartum hemorrhage. 

Other signs to watch for include dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or feeling faint—all of which warrant immediate medical attention. If you’ve been bleeding more than normal and you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If something feels off, please trust your instincts and reach out to your provider. You‘ve just gone through a hell of a process, so you deserve to feel safe and supported during your recovery.

What Do You Do If You Notice Too Much Bleeding?

• Pee: When you pee, you allow your bladder to move out of the way, which, in turn, allows the uterus to contract. This helps a lot with healing.
• Rest: Bleeding can often increase suddenly when you increase activity before your body is ready. This is why it’s super important to prioritize rest after birth and during the period in which you’re still bleeding postpartum.
• Drink water: Ideally, you’ll want to drink water that contains some added electrolytes. You also need to eat to regain your strength and nourish yourself. 
• Nurse your baby: Nursing your baby will help your uterus cramp down.
• Massage your uterus: Gently massaging your uterus with your hand encourages it to contract.

If you’ve tried all of the above and your bleeding still does not decrease, reach out to your birth provider immediately for further guidance.

When you’re postpartum, it’s very important to pay attention to how you are feeling. 

If you’re bleeding yet feeling completely normal otherwise, perform the above interventions. If you’re feeling dizzy, faint, or otherwise unwell after resting, eating, and drinking, this is a cause for concern, and you should talk to your provider about how you’re feeling.

The bottom line is that it’s very common to feel tired and in need of rest postpartum, but you should NOT be feeling faint or ill.

Do you have more questions about what to expect postpartum, or want to share your experience? Reach out to me! I would love to hear from you. If you haven’t given birth yet and would like to know more about having a labor and birth doula present as an extra layer of support and advocacy for you and your baby, we offer Labor and Birth Support.