Bleeding after childbirth
Bleeding after childbirth is normal, which is why you're advised to wear maternity pads. But if you lose more than half a litre in the first 24 hours, it may be because your uterus hasn't contracted properly. Primary postpartum haemorrhage, as it's known, happens to about five per cent of women who've given birth vaginally. Usually, you'll be given drugs to get the uterus to contract, but occasionally an operation is necessary.
If you're still bleeding heavily after 24 hours, it may be down to a retained placenta (where all or part of the placenta is left behind) or an infection. This happens in about two per cent of births. An ultrasound will determine if an operation is necessary. Contact your midwife if you're concerned.
Dr Myles Taylor, Obstetrician and GP.
By Dr Myles Taylor
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A new baby: the first days and weeks
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A new baby: what happens next? Part 3
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A new baby: what happens next? Part 4
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Bonding with your baby
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kayleigh evans, about 1 year
i found this useful because i had a hard time with bleeding after i gave birth to my son i bled for 5 weeks its good to know that many other people go through the same.
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kayleigh evans, about 1 year
i found this useful because i had a hard time with bleeding after i gave birth to my son i bled for 5 weeks its good to know that many other people go through the same and i am not alone its hard for mothers to cope with there new babies and heavy bleedind for such a long time.
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