Unpleasant question - large blood clot

[softandsaggy]

Sorry for this, bit of a TMI / gross question....

I gave birth 5 days ago, leaving hospital on the same day. When I left hospital they said to give them a call if I passed any clots larger than a 50p. ^I can't be sure, but I got the impression that they meant over the next day or two.
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The bleeding wasn't actually too bad for the first few days, lighter than I'd expected. I saw my midwife on Thursday, and then a different midwife again this morning. Both asked about loss / clots and I said everything was fine as I had no issues at that point.

Since this morning's appointment I've passed a large clot. Approx diameter of a golf ball and approx 1cm thick. I wasn't home at the time so couldn't 'save it' to show a midwife.

My question is, do I need to contact my midwife to tell her about this, or is it ok because it's almost a week since I gave birth?

You should have some numbers for out of hours contact.

Midwives do want to know if you're passing clots (I'm a midwife) so we can ask a few questions to make sure all is okay. It is likely that it is all fine, but I would still want to ask questions and check your history before reassuring someone.

Midwifery is a 24/7 service so don't be afraid to ring the hospital for advice.

This exact same thing happened to me. Bleeding after birth was very light and around a week later I passed a clot around half the size of my palm. I was too scared to tell anybody so left it but everything seems fine (now 14 weeks layer). I thought it was maybe something similar to a decidual cast.

I passed a few golf ball size clots in the few days after giving birth. The midwife did want to see one to check it but said it was fine so it can be normal. Best to give them a call and get some advice though x

I passed a few clots larger than the 50p they speak about, I called them and they asked:
Had I had any increased bleeding
Am I soaking a pad every hour
Did I have any abdominal pain

If you answer yes to any of them, give them a call. If no, like me, they just tell you to keep an eye on it

I passed a clot the size of a new potato and I was worried. My best friend was with me and she’s a a&e consultant. Told her asked if I needed to put it in Tupperware and show someone. She said what were you doing when it fell out. I said “on the loo” she said that’s normal. Pressure will have caused it to come out etc. Only to worry if it comes out when you aren’t “bearing down”.

Never had anything else that size. No pain. Assumed it was ok.

Thanks all. I mentioned it to the midwife when I called about something else and she wasn't worried. It's hasn't happened again since and general bleeding is really light now, so think I was maybe just getting rid of the last bit all at once.

I passed some huge clots after my birth, I was freaking out! But basically the midwives would say that if you're not feeling faint then there is no real reason for concern. I'd find my clots were larger after I'd been lying down for a while. Congrats on your birth by the way 💐