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What Does Persistent Vaginal Bleeding After Child Birth Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 19 Jan 2017

Question: I delivered my son vaginally on dec 10,2016. My bleeding in the hospital was heavy and red but not unusual. Since coming home it has gone from red to pink to hardly anything. For the past couple days the bleeding has been dark red and bright red. I am not soaking pads. The blood is more on the toilet paper when I wipe and in the toilet in small red streaks. I have passed a couple pencil eraser sized clots but nothing bigger than that. I was pumping and trying to breast feed but my milk is non existent so Ive been bottle feeding. I don't think I've been over doing it and have been taking it easy. I have no fever and the blood doesn't have a foul odor. Why have I started to bleed bright and dark red again 17 days after giving birth?

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Normal phenomenon

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
The uterus contracts after childbirth upto 42 days after delivery.
In this process, irregular bleeding with passage of small clots is common.
If the bleeding is not heavy , and is not foul smelling, then there is absolutely nothing to worry as it is a normal process.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma
OBGYN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (26 hours later)

I've been resting and taking it easy all day and the bleeding hasn't been much at all until now. I just started to bleed red again. It doesn't really end up in the pad it's mostly in the toilet when I pee and on the toilet paper. I just keep reading online that I shouldn't be bleeding red still. I definitely didn't over due it today I basically sat or layed down.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ultrasound advised

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
If the bleeding is troublesome, then you should get an ultrasound should be done to confirm whether any blood clots or retained products of conception are left inside the uterus.
This may cause fresh red blood discharging from vagina.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (5 hours later)

This morning I still have red bleeding when I wipe, hardly anything on the pad. I called my drs office and the nurse said she wasn't concerned about the color and would only be concerned if I was passing clots or soaking a pad which I'm not doing either. I've also developed some vaginal discomfort, maybe I'm wiping to hard? I did have an episiotomy but I'd imagine that would be healed by now. The bleeding is still concerning to me but the dr office doesn't seem bothered so I guess I shouldn't be either? I'm just so worried about infection and why I'd still be bleeding so red.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Almost nil chance of infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
If there is no foul smell and no pain in the abdomen, then the chances of infection are almost nil.
I will suggest you to not to worry.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng