Bleeding and Cramps 7 weeks after caesarean delivery

[nougatness]

Hi, I had a caesarean 7 weeks ago, no complications, lochia stopped after about 3 weeks and was never heavy. I have been pretty active out of necessity, driving after a fortnight, just getting on with day to day stuff and feeling fine.
I started on exercise bike last week, nothing strenuous just an hour whilst watching telly.
Yesterday, I started getting very bad cramps and last night started bleeding quite heavily. I am breastfeeding exclusively. I am not in UK, and my Gynae is on holiday, should I be worried, is it a period or related to the exercise, but it only happened a week after starting to exercise, which makes me think its a period, which I thought I wouldn't get because I am breast feeding?
Also, can I use tampons now?
Thanks

Hi, It might be your 1st period. BF doesn't necessarily stop them.
If I were you I would stop the exercise for a bit (just a bit), and don't use tampon, you might still need to see if you have an infection in case it is a wound reopenning.
If it is not better in a few days (i.e. like it would be after a period) then go see a Gyn.
First period after my CS was very heavy (probably because of the internal scar not completely healed)

Hi, didn't want to leave you with no response at all. if the lochia stopped after three weeks and this bleeding is new I am sure its simply a return to normal menses. remember the first few periods after pregnancy (both for normal deliveries and C-sections) may be heavier or different to how they were pre-pregnancy. While many women do not have periods or indeed ovulate (hence the false belief it can be used as contraception) some do, it would appear you are one of them.
Obviously if the bleeding becomes very heavy, soaking through pads leaking everywhere, lasts a long time etc then see your GP. likewise if it smells offensive or you loose large clots.
Otherwise make a note of the date, hope that helps
btw Congratulations on your new baby :)

are you bf, if so I would not assume it is first period. I too had bleeding after caesarean, you are not really supposed to drive until 8 weeks, nor do exercise. I drove after 3 weeks and was exercising from the beginning. I think you have probably overdone things. Is there anyone you can check with?

sorry, just seen you are bf, then I would DEF check this out. You have had major abdominal surgery even if you, as I did, feel very well. Just to reassure you, when I scaled down my activities, the bleeding stopped quickly).

appolgies missed a bit from original post

While many women do not have periods or indeed ovulate WHILE BREASTFEEDING (hence the false belief it can be used as contraception) some do!

Thanks Ladies, I will give it until the weekend and see if it eases. Great, an excuse to not exercise!
Seriously, thanks for your input

Let us know how you get on...