Skip to main content

Postpartum Bleeding

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 6, 2024.

What do I need to know about postpartum bleeding?

Postpartum bleeding is vaginal bleeding after childbirth. This bleeding is normal, whether your baby was born vaginally or by C-section. It contains blood and the tissue that lined the inside of your uterus when you were pregnant.

What should I expect with postpartum bleeding?

Postpartum bleeding usually lasts at least 10 days, and may last longer than 6 weeks. Your bleeding may range from light (barely staining a pad) to heavy (soaking a pad in 1 hour). Usually, you have heavier bleeding right after childbirth, which slows over the next few weeks until it stops. The bleeding is red or dark brown with clots for the first 1 to 3 days. It then turns pink for several days, and then becomes a white or yellow discharge until it ends.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

View more treatment options

When should I call my doctor or obstetrician?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

Learn more about Postpartum Bleeding

Treatment options

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.