when to worry about continuing lochia (hope not tmi)

[CurleyShirley]

Hello all
I had an emergency c-section 3 weeks ago today and am still having light red lochia. it hasnt been heavy at any point, so hard to say it is particularly lighter than it was, but it is definitely only light now, and in the last few days I sometimes think it is finishing off, but then I have a bit more. Its not heavy - and overall it probably is getting lighter, BUT it has been three weeks and it is also still red at times. lots of things I have read on the internet say it should finish by 2 weeks post delivery. Does what I am experiencing sound OK to you or should I try and see a GP (difficult given I cant drive!)
thanks!

I think that's normal. Anything up to6 weeks is normal as long as it does get very dark red again and have any 'matter' in it. That indicates an infection. Akso if it smells okay then it's a good sign.

Sound ok! Mine lasted about six weeks I think first time, and about 5 weeks second time. Don't worry, everyone is different, some only last a week, some 6 weeks.

COngratulations!

2 weeks post delivery? I don't think I know anyone whose lochia finished inside 2 weeks.

Mine lasted 5 weeks (post-c/s) and I was told in advance by the doctors not to worry unless it went on for 8 weeks.

Thanks for your speedy responses! With worrying about c-setcion infection too I really really just want this to clear up and be gone, but reasussing to know I dont have to be worrying about that (yet!). Thanks again.

I had lochia for nearly six weeks. It did fade dutring that time, until it was pale pink, then almost creamy/yellowy. (Then I only had about a week "off" before my periods returned - despite bfing - typical of my body!)

So unless you are having any other problems, I think it is normal. Are you expecting a visit from a midwife or health visitor soon? If so, you could just double check with them. Or call you appointed midwife and ask.

I bled for up to 6 weeks with all three of mine. I was booked for a scan after DD (2nd child) to make sure there was no reason for it as that time I bled for longer; it kept stopping and starting. But because I wasn't bleeding on the day of the scan, they decided (once I was on the bed and and had sat in waiting room for 2 hours with full bladder!) not to scan me after all!!

It stopped in the end.

As long as you don't suddenly get LOTS of heavy, fresh bleeding after weeks, its usually fine.

only worry if it gets heavier.with my ds and dd2,my lochia went on for 4-5 weeks altogether.after having dd3,though,i got to 3 weeks and it had just been very light and pale for a week,then i suddenly started bleeding pretty heavily again,dark red,and getting pain.i went to the gp and found out i had an infection,which cleared up quickly with AB's.

but i felt it wasnt right at the time.2 weeks is definatley a myth,though.2 weeks of heavy maybe

after a section it can ease off then get heavier, if you go for a long walk or something do expect it. it can also stop and then start again for no apparant reason. mw told me not to go anywhere in white trousers for 7 weeks just in case

2 weeks? wouldnt use that website for advice again, even after normal delivery i didnt stop for 5 or 6 weeks

as long as it does not start gushing, you pass any large clots or it begins to smell it is fine.

following ds2 i bled for about 6 possibly 8 weeks. everyone is different.
mine went pink almost immediately but if i lifted ds1 up i would pass a red bit.

congratulations btw!
Xx

thanks guys - really reassuring. it does definitely increase with activity, not hugely, but when i think it has stopped it comes back after a walk etc.

yes - stupid website - it was the first one that came up when i was looking into it on google.

Was 6 weeks for me - heavier when I was more active.

I'm now coming up to 5 weeks post partum. Seemed like lochia stopped a couple of days ago. then I suddenly got my usual premenstrual acne (thought maybe pregnancy would put an end to that but no) and today fresh blood very much like a period. Am bfing. Could this be a period or lochia returning? Should I ask gp? Could period come this soon?
Sorry to hijack...

thanks loopymumsy. bizarre if it is - seems so soon? why do some women get period when bfing and some not? or is it jst one of those things?

With both pregnancies my lochia stopped on or before the 2 week mark. With ds1 I got my period exactly 6 weeks after giving birth (formula fed) with ds2 I am bfing and although I haven't gotten my period I have had spotting every two weeks.

ah well... was a nice 9 months without it... [smiile]

Hi I’m 2 weeks post partum. My lochia was pale pink colour. It is now dark brown. Is it normal for it to go from a thin consistency to this dark thick brown consistency?