How long does postpartum bleeding last?

Typically 4–6 weeks, heavier in the first few days. Spotting can come and go, especially after activity or breastfeeding.

Is it normal for bleeding to increase when I breastfeed?

Yes—nursing releases oxytocin, which contracts your uterus and may temporarily increase flow or cramping.

Can I use tampons or a menstrual cup?

Avoid them until your provider confirms healing; use pads to reduce infection risk while the cervix and tissues recover.

I passed a clot. Should I worry?

Grape-sized clots can be normal early on. Call your provider if clots are egg-sized (golf ball) or you’re soaking pads quickly.

My bleeding got heavier after a long walk—is that bad?

A temporary uptick after exertion is common. Scale activity back 24–48 hours. If it doesn’t ease, call your provider.

Postpartum Bleeding (Lochia): What’s Normal vs When to Call Your Doctor

What Exactly Is Lochia?

Lochia is the postpartum discharge of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue as your uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size. It happens after both vaginal and cesarean births. The pattern and color changes of lochia are a normal part of healing—your body is clearing what supported pregnancy and delivery.

Understanding what’s normal—and what’s not—keeps you confident and calm. This guide walks you through the timeline, red flags, self-care, and pressure-smart habits that help bleeding trend down smoothly.

The Normal Timeline (Color, Flow, and Sensations)

Days 1–3: Lochia Rubra (Red)

Color/flow: Bright to dark red; period-like or heavier. Small clots (grape-sized) can appear when you stand after resting.
Sensation: Cramping (afterpains) is common, especially if breastfeeding. A metallic, blood-like smell can be normal.
What helps: Rest, hydration, ibuprofen/acetaminophen if cleared by your provider, and a belly hug with your hands or a soft pillow for coughing/sneezing.

Days 4–10: Lochia Serosa (Pink/Brown)

Color/flow: Pink or brown; noticeably lighter. Small clots may appear after feeding or activity.
Sensation: Afterpains typically ease. Energy may rise—don’t overspend it in one day.
What helps: Short, gentle walks (5–10 minutes) 1–2× daily. Continue pads (no tampons/cups) and prioritize regular meals.

Days 10–21(+): Lochia Alba (Yellow/White)

Color/flow: Pale yellow, cream, or white. Often just spotting/discharge on a pantyliner.
Sensation: Intermittent spotting can follow more active days.
What helps: Activity budgeting—if a day ends with spotting, make the next day lighter.

Every body is different. Some finish bleeding by week 4; others spot into week 6. The overall trend should be downward.

What’s Normal vs. Not Normal (Easy Checklist)

Normal

Flow decreases week by week.
Color shifts red → pink/brown → yellow/white.
Small clots early on.
Brief increases after breastfeeding or longer outings that settle within a day.

Not Normal — Call Your Provider

Soaking a pad in < 1 hour for more than 2 hours.
Clots egg-sized (golf ball) or larger.
Foul/fishy odor, fever, or chills.
Severe cramps not eased by rest/OTC pain relief.
Dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

If you’re unsure, call. Trust your instincts—early reassurance matters.

Why Bleeding Sometimes Spikes

Bleeding can tick up temporarily when you:

Overdo activity (visitors, long walks, errands, stairs).
Hold your breath and strain (lifting heavy items, constipation).
Go too long between rest/feeding positions.
Experience stress and muscle guarding (tense breathing mechanics).

Quick Reset When Flow Increases

Lie down for 20–30 minutes; legs up on pillows.
Hydrate (a full glass of water or an electrolyte drink).
Belly-rib breathing for 2–3 minutes: inhale wide; exhale slowly through pursed lips.
Scale back activity for the next 24–48 hours and reassess.

The Pelvic Floor & Pressure Connection

Your core canister—diaphragm (top), deep abdominals/back (sides), and pelvic floor (base)—manages pressure. In the early postpartum weeks, tissues are healing, and the system can be sensitive to pressure spikes. Smart habits keep bleeding smoother:

Exhale on effort: When lifting your baby, standing up, or getting off the couch, exhale gently as you move.
No breath-holding: It spikes pressure downward.
Support for sneezes/coughs: Hug a pillow to your belly; add a gentle pre-brace (soft exhale).
Pooping posture: Feet on a stool, lean forward, don’t strain—more below.

Cesarean vs. Vaginal Birth: Any Differences?

Both typically experience lochia. After a C-section, flow may be lighter initially, but the timeline is similar. In addition, watch for:

Incision care: Redness spreading, warmth, discharge, or fever warrants a call.
Comfort: Use a folded towel to brace your abdomen when standing/coughing.
Movement: Short, frequent walks aid circulation and bowel motility.

Daily Plan for Calmer Bleeding (Weeks 0–2)

Morning (10–15 minutes)

Hydration start: Warm water or tea.
Breath set: 10 cycles of 360° rib/belly breathing (inhale wide, exhale slow).
Gentle mobility: 5 minutes of easy walking indoors; avoid rushing.

Midday

Nourish: Protein + fiber + healthy fats (stable energy, better healing).
Pressure-smart lifts: Exhale to stand; keep items close to your body.
Visitor rules: 30–60 minute caps, seated, with a “baby hand-off” policy to reduce up-down trips.

Evening

Reset walk: 5–10 minutes if energy allows.
Perineal care: Change pads often; try a brief warm rinse in the shower.
Wind-down: 3 minutes of slow exhale breathing to reduce afterpains.

Bowel and Bladder Habits That Help

Hydrate steadily: Aim for pale yellow urine (too dark can irritate the bladder and increase urges).
Fiber & fats: Oats, pears/prunes, chia/flax, avocado, olive oil—soft stool = less straining.
Toilet posture: Feet on a stool, elbows on knees, long exhale; allow a gentle belly bulge, not a push.
Peeing frequency: Every 2–4 hours is typical. If urgency/frequency is bothersome, see our bladder training guide.

Comfortable Positions for Feeding and Rest

Side-lying for nursing or bottle feeds: offloads perineum/tailbone and promotes full-body rest.
Reclined with pillows: Supports upper body without slumping; keeps breathing easier.
Seat setup: Use cushions; keep hips slightly higher than knees to reduce perineal pressure.

Safe Movement Progression (No Gym Required)

Week 1–2

Short walks, 5–10 minutes.
Breath + pelvic floor coordination: Inhale soften; exhale gentle lift (10 light reps).
Posture breaks: Every 45–60 minutes, stand and reset.

Week 3–4

Add sit-to-stand with exhale (2×8).
Heel slides or marches lying down if no increase in bleeding.
Keep the “no doming” rule—if your abdomen tents, regress.

If bleeding increases, dial back and hold at the previous level for several days.

Mindset: Healing Is Not Linear

Progress often looks like two steps forward, one step back. That’s normal. Let symptoms be your dashboard:

If flow increases after a busy day, you learned your current threshold.
Adjust activity, hydrate, rest, and try again tomorrow.

When to Seek Urgent or Emergency Care

Get help immediately if you have:

Soaking a pad in < 1 hour, for more than 2 consecutive hours.
Large clots (egg/golf ball size) or persistent bright red gushes.
Fever/chills, foul odor, severe lower abdominal pain.
Dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

Your safety matters more than “toughing it out.” Call your provider or go to urgent care/ER as directed.

Bottom Line

Postpartum bleeding is expected and should trend down from red to pink/brown to yellow/white over several weeks. The best helpers are rest, hydration, pressure-smart habits, and gentle movement. Use your symptoms as feedback, not as judgment. And when anything feels off, reach out—getting care early keeps recovery smooth and safe.

You’re doing more right than you realize. One calm day at a time is exactly how healing happens.