Lochia question - tmi alert!

[Diplidophus]

I had my second LO 4 weeks ago (ventouse with large episiotomoy).

I have had a uterine infection but my bleeding had pretty muc stopped. In the last few days the bleeding has increased and the blood looks a dark red fresh colour.

My stitches also feel very sore and I am worried that they had split and that the bleeding may even be from there.

I now that post natal bleeding can carry on for up to 8 weeks so I don't know if I am being just a big girls blouse or if I should get checked. Its just a palaver trying to get to the hospital to see the midwife with a neborn and a toddler in tow!

Any have any advice / experience?

Fresh red bleeding can be a sign that you are overdoing it. The advice usually is to try and rest- not easy I know -and if it tails off and lightens you know you're pushing yourself too hard.

Congratulations btw!

i totally agree
i bled fo 10 logn weeks

Dipli I bled for 6 weeks, after uncomplicated delivery of ds2. Longer and heavier than with ds1.

My memory is hazy as I was so knackered, but I think I had a couple of resurgences of blood like yours, possibly at 4 weeks.

It definitely gets worse when you exert yourself, so if you're out with LO1, etc, it will probably come and go for a lot longer than the first time.

re. the stitches might the GP be any help?

i was concerned about my stitches and my midwife came round to check them for me. Can you contact yours?

I think you should get it checked out. For the sake of a visit to the doctors and a couple of appointments, it is not worth running any risks... Think my bleeding lasted about 2 weeks.

I could - I jsut feel bad calling them out when it is probably nothing. I was also not sure as I had been 'discharged'.

Were you're stiches OK and how long after the birth was it?

I think overdoing it may be an issue - just impossible to avoid with a toddler in the midst fo the terrible twos's!

Have you done anything particularly strenuous in the last few weeks?