Why am I bleeding? Possible tmi.

[MonstersDontCry]

I had my baby 13 days ago. My bleeding was pretty normal for the first week but about a week ago I started getting heavy bright red bleeding again.

I told my midwife and went to the GP but they both said that I'm not showing any other signs of infection so I should just 'keep an eye on things.' the GP did do a

I'm worried about the bleeding. Why am I bleeding like this if it's not an infection?

I have found both times that the bleeding went up and down in severity. If it was an infection it would not just be blood but paler stuff and (Sorry to gross you out) but it would smell. So without a smelly discharge infection is unlikely and I would suspect it is just a variation of normal post partum bleeding.

Whenever I over did stuff I had much heavier, bright red blood. Do you need to take it easy for a bit?

Well there's definitely no smell so that's made me feel a bit better.

No chance of taking things easy with a toddler to look after and DP back to work tomorrow

It's normal for it to go on for 6 weeks and you will get bright red, fresh bleeding if you are not taking it easy. The wound from the placenta is as big as a dinner plate and if you're busy, picking up an older child, moving around a lot etc, then you can aggravate it and set off fresh bleeding. Without other symptoms of infection, and assuming it's not a heavy loss, at this early stage, I wouldn't worry.

Thank you, you've made me feel so much better. I'm going to not pick the toddler up tomorrow and sit down a bit more. Well try anyway! Hopefully that will make a difference.

I've just realised, my op should say: GP did do a full blood count, not really sure why though.

It is very normal to continue to bleed until around 6 weeks.

It is rare, but not unusual, for all of the placenta not to come away straight after childbirth. If bleeding is still there at 6 weeks please go back to GP and demand a scan or internal to check you have no placenta left inside.

I had what's known as 'retained placenta'. It hasn't all come away and it was 'stuck' on the cervix wall. I had to have an ERPC (evacuation of retained products of conception, old D&C).

I'm not saying it to scare you but for you just keep an eye on it as it isn't unusual for it to happen.

Fadbook, do you mind me asking what symptoms you had for the retained placenta?

i had an infection after dd2, and it definately wasn't bright red, it was foul and stank (i mean, really stank!) so it definately doesn't sound like an infection to me!

Thanks notanyanymore.

Bleeding and a "pulling" sensation in my vagina, which I'd thought was 'normal' after childbirth (dd was 8lb 12oz!) It would be dark blood (old) and not much, would stop, and then come back. Not much bright blood from what I can recall and not masses of blood either. It was the pulling sensation I'd feel after standing for long ish periods of time. I was playing sport at 5 weeks and told to take it easy etc but I felt fine for an hour and then feel it.

I didn't stop bleeding for more than 2 days.

I did have trouble with my placenta after birth and ended up with manual removal of it (spinal and then surgery after the natural birth I'd laboured... )

Both of my nan's had retained placenta, as well as my aunt - no idea if that is a link, but I was "aware" of this possible complication which meant I pushed for a scan and internal through a 2nd GP as my midwife and 1st GP said it was 'Normal' but my nan said to get it checked out.

I don't want to alarm you as you are only 13 days post birth so bleeding is normal; just be aware of it as it could lead to an infection or blood poisoning (septicaemia) which is serious.

I had an infection after DS2 and I felt fluey, shaky and yuk. When I passed the offending piece it was purple and smelly. Bright red is normal and it is also normal for it to vary in amount. I thought mine had eased off a bit after a week or so and wasn't as hasty with a maternity pad after my shower - cue one ruined bathmat as it started up again with a vengeance.

I would assume the 'new' blood is where you've just dislodged a clot inside.. a bit like when you knock a scab or pull at a stitched wound on the outside and it bleeds a bit.

Keep an eye on it and even with your toddler to look after remember it is a great big wound inside you that needs to have time to heal properly.

I get that pulling feeling too. we went shopping yesterday and just walking around the supermarket brought it on.

I've tried not to do too much this morning but it's pretty much impossible.

Is passing small clots normal at this stage? I've had a few today...

I'm trying not to worry but I can't help it.

Yes small clots are normal. Your body is trying to heal. It's also normal to have a pulling sensation, various aches and cramps. Your uterus is settling down from the size of a beach ball, back down to its original size of a tangerine and at the same time, it has a massive wound on it which will be easily aggravated. It's also normal to find that you bleed more on some days and less on others. Completely normal for it to seem to have stopped and then start again. You will also find that you may have a sudden flood if you spend any time sitting/lying and then get up. It's just blood pooling.

BUT if you are at all concerned or experience unusual pain, heavy bleeding, foul smelling blood, odd coloured blood, loss of tissue, feeling unwell or odd, then go and see your GP. I remember how disconcerting lochia is. You don't expect to bleed for that long and in that amount and it be normal. It's outside of everything you usually hold true.

I also meant to say, feeling anxious is quite common in the first weeks and months. I remember distinctly that I felt quite anxious about my own health. I think it was the weight of responsibility of the new baby coupled with sleep deprivation. I was in shock I think. I recall having an ache in my chest and being convinced it was a pulmonary embolism. Rationally, it was the muscles being sore from holding/feeding the baby a lot and using a sling. In the wee small hours though, I was sure I was minutes from death.

Try and take it as easy as you can. You do sound worried and I'm sure you don't need to be from what you've said. Any change, get a second opinion and REST REST REST.

Listen to showofhands Monster

Are you breast feeding? Or had any problems with supply? That is sometimes a sign of retained placenta - it wasn't for me at all (in fact the opposite as had over supply) but it was asked of me a few times after my operation, as it is a common sign of retained placenta having an affect on supply.

Yes I'm breastfeeding but I've got an oversupply already.

I'm going to try and just forget about it and not worry about it like you've both said. Thank you both for replying. I cant wait fir this all to be over!