Q&A: Postpartum Bleeding
Q How much bleeding is normal after delivery? I am 2 week postpartum.
A Lochia is the term that is used for post partum bleeding or discharge during the post partum period. There are three stages: the first is red, and lasts from 1 to 4 days. It consists mainly of blood; the second is pink, and lasts from 5 to 9 days. This discharge is pale and sometimes brownish in color. It has less blood and more serum; the third is white and lasts from 10 to 15 days.
When you asked this question you were 2 weeks and 2 days post partum. If your discharge at that time was still red, you were probably doing too many activities, and not resting enough so that your uterus could heal. Any bleeding like this after two weeks post partum should be reported to your practitioner.
Anne Sommers
Click here to Ask Anne your pregnancy questions
Anne Sommers, LM is a Licensed Midwife in Southern California and founder of Agape Perinatal Consultation & Birthing Services. Anne has attended and personally delivered hundreds of beautiful bouncing babies in some very wonderful and natural settings -- like in the water! She has appeared on various Southern California radio and cable television shows, talked to birth organizations, was editor for several child birth publications and was the owner, editor and publisher of "Mom" Magazine, a quarterly publication in circulation for over seven years. She completed Seattle Midwifery School's Challenge Process and the NARM exam (supervised by the California Medical Board) qualifying her for midwifery licensure. Anne actually made history as noted in the Orange County Register for being one of Southern California's first Licensed Midwives. She is also the mother of two children, born at home, with the attendance of midwives.
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