Postpartum bleeding (lochia): care and when to worry

Postpartum bleeding, whose technical name is lochium, is normal and lasts an average of 5 weeks, being characterized by the release of dark red blood with a thick consistency and, sometimes, blood clots.

This bleeding is made up of blood, mucus and tissue debris from the uterus and as the uterus contracts and returns to normal size, the amount of blood lost decreases and its color becomes increasingly lighter until it disappears. completely.

At this stage it is important for the woman to rest, avoid making any effort and observe the amount of blood that is lost, in addition to the color and presence of clots. It is also recommended that women use night pads and avoid using OB type tampons, as they can carry bacteria into the uterus and thus cause infections.

Warning signs

Lochium is a situation considered normal after childbirth, however it is important for women to be aware of the characteristics of this bleeding over time, as it may be a sign of complications that must be investigated and treated according to the gynecologist’s guidance. Some warning signs for women to call the doctor or go to the hospital are:

• Having to change pads every hour;
• Observe that the blood, which was already getting lighter, turns bright red again;
• If there is an increase in blood loss after the 2nd week;
• Identification of large blood clots, larger than a ping-pong ball;
• If the blood has a very bad smell;
• If you have a fever or a lot of abdominal pain.

If any of these signs appear, it is important to contact your doctor, as it may be a sign of postpartum infection or bacterial vaginosis, which is mainly caused by bacteria. Gardnerella vaginalis. Furthermore, these signs may also indicate the presence of a placenta or be a sign that the uterus is not returning to its normal size, which can be resolved with the use of medication or curettage.

Postpartum care

After giving birth, it is recommended that women rest, eat a healthy and balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids. Furthermore, it is recommended that she use nighttime pads and observe the characteristics of the lochia over the weeks. It is also recommended that women avoid using tampons, because this type of absorbent can increase the risk of infection, which can result in complications.

If the presence of warning signs is verified, depending on the change, the doctor may recommend curettage, which is a simple procedure, carried out under general anesthesia and aimed at removing uterine or placental remains. Understand what curettage is and how it is performed.

Before curettage, the doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics 3 to 5 days before the procedure to reduce the risk of complications. Therefore, if the woman is already breastfeeding, it is important to consult her doctor to find out if she can continue breastfeeding at the same time as she takes medications to prepare for the surgical procedure, as some medications are contraindicated during this period.

If it is not possible to breastfeed, the woman can express the milk with her hands or with a breast pump, which must then be stored in the freezer. Whenever it is time for the baby to breastfeed, the woman or another person can thaw the milk and give it to the baby in a cup or bottle that has a nipple similar to the breast so as not to harm the return to the breast. See how to express breast milk.

What does menstruation look like after giving birth?

Menstruation after childbirth usually returns to normal when breastfeeding is no longer exclusive. Therefore, if the baby exclusively breastfeeds or if he only takes small amounts of artificial milk to complement breastfeeding, the woman should not have a period. In these cases, menstruation should return when the woman starts producing less milk, because the baby starts to breastfeed less and starts drinking juices and baby food.

However, when a woman does not breastfeed, her period may come earlier, in the baby’s second month and in case of doubt, she should speak to the baby’s gynecologist or pediatrician during routine consultations.