bright red bleeding 5wks after birth - this isn't a period, is it?

[MangoHedgehog]

3 days ago, my postpartum bleeding had almost stopped. then suddenly it came back with a vengeance, and is bright red. it doesn't feel like a period although is probably a similar amount (but brighter red). also am exclusively bf so I wasn't expecting a period just yet! Is this normal or should I seek help? thank you...

No idea but in your shoes I would probably phone midwife or docs surgery (ask to speak to the duty doc rather than necessarily asking for an appointment. They will be able to reassure you if normal or ask pertinent questions if not iyswim.

Did you have any issues with your placenta? I'd maybe just give your mw or GP a quick call.

I had this with mine and it was normally after I'd done too much - particularly after my 3rd.

But yes do get it checked out - especially if it gets a bit ahem stinky. Infections very common post birth ime.

My lochia stopped and then bright red bleeding started just under 6 weeks after my DD2 was born this April. However, I bottlefeed her, so this was to be expected.

Even though you are breastfeeding, periods can still return ad you dont always have the fortune of going without them! And, my period lasted for 20 days. Yes, you read correctly, and I didn't make a type-o! My GP was suspicious about a retained placenta, although I had no other symptoms (temperature, tender abdomen).

I was referred for a trans-vaginal scan but thankfully the bleeding stopped before my appointment. It was just 'one of those things'.

At 5 weeks PP, it's thankfully getting late to be a PPH - unless we're talking a heavy flow where you're soaking pads hourly and/or passing clots.

Still, try not to worry but do go to your GP

HTH,

MammaT

thanks for the advice. I rang the midwife and she thinks it's a period . I just hadn't expected one so soon! it was 6 months before I had one with dd1

will take it easy over next few days anyway. just before this happened i had attempted my first bit of light exercise (jogging/walking) but maybe it was a bit too soon.zzdvnk