1 we post partum(bleeding question after delivery)

[debgunn23]

ok, i had givin birth a week ago and i was bleeding red then turned mususy brown and wasnt alot, it seemed to get alot lighter. Now toay i wake up and its heavy again and bright/dark red. Im also kinda crampy like im on my period. The amount of blood is like a normal heavy period but would that happen after it gets really light?? I have been moving around alot though between cleaning up and baby. When is it a concern??? ive also noticed more soreness vaginally too since 2 days ago.

[JoyRenee]

Clots are also a concern. If they're larger than a softball then you should call your doctor.

[debgunn23]

thanks guys, its not as heavy anymore. Is that the only concern post partum?

[Michele, Katy, TX]

Heavy bleeding can be normal on some level, but be careful.  As Gina said, if you are bleeding that much in 1 hour, you should call your doc.  After I had my 2nd, I started passing clots and waited to call anyone.  My husband was so scared he called 911.  The hospital said that if I hadn't gone to the hospital I would have probably bled to death overnight.  Not saying that to scare you by any means, but just monitor it.  If it is too heavy, call your doctor.  When I called my doc originally, I wasn't really honest about how much I was bleeding and I should have been.  Def don't lift anything heavier than your baby or climb stairs.  When I leave the hospital, they always tell me not to lift anything heavier than my baby for the whole 6 weeks (until my doc gives me the okay).  That will increase your bleeding.  I am one that bleeds for the whole 6 weeks, but I don't bleed heavy for the entire 6 weeks.

[Gina209]

You shouldn't be bleeding through a pad in an hour, if you are make sure you call your doctor right away!

When I had my son, I bled for 5 weeks straight! For the first week it was horribly strong and awful. Than after that week some days would be heavier than others. Depended on what I did during the day...but I had one of the worst tears (had a really big baby naturally) so I was told to rest and be off my feet for a good 2 weeks. So if I tried to do anything I would bleed more, so I tried to take it easy. But still, some days were heavier than others. However, I finally stopped bleeding during my 5th week postpartum. Than 2 days later I started cramping really bad, followed with headaches. Than I started bleeding....it was my period! 1 week postpartum seems really soon to have your first period so its prolly just from your activity. Make sure your resting and taking care of yourself!

[KeyD]

I agree with the other posts, if you've recently increased your activity level then it's probably your body telling to rest more. If you have any doubt contact your OB/GYN, i'm sure they'd be happy to relief your concern. Take it easy and enjoy your new baby.

[JoyRenee]

Cleaning will definitely make the bleeding heavier. And the bleeding will fluctuate. Most women bleed for about 2-3 weeks after giving birth. And even some women bleed for the whole 6 weeks post partum (my sister did). Definitely take it easy and get someone else to do all the heavy cleaning or cleaning that requires a lot of bending, reaching or lifting (dishes, vacuuming, laundry).

[sweetangel7]

It is a concern if you are soaking a pad in an hour.  I believe it is normal to fluctuate pp bleeding especially with activity.