Lochia getting heavier

[TheBerry]

I have birth to my son 2.5 weeks ago.

My lochia was never particularly heavy, but it doesn't seem to have decreased in volume or become less red, either. In fact, the last few days it actually seems to have been getting a bit heavier and just now I had some bleeding that was brighter in colour, plus a small clot which I've not had before.

I've also been having some cramping / discomfort in my pelvis and hips for the last couple of days.

I did haemorrhage right after I gave birth, and they had to go back in on the delivery table to extract a bit of placenta that was left behind.

Should I be worried about my current pattern of bleeding?

My post-natal bleeding always came and went and came again for 5-7 weeks after birth. Days I pushed myself too hard (long walks, big cleans, etc.) the bleeding would be much heavier and I’d know to take it easy again for a couple of days. I’d say what you’re experiencing is most likely nothing to worry about; however, given your experience of PPH and retained placenta I think it would be good to call your midwife and ask for advice.

Probably not but give the labour ward (or whoever is taking care of you) a call to check. I was still bleeding after 6 weeks and was pretty sick and tired of it all by then!

Without being gross but does the blood smell particularly foul? my bleeding increased at week 3 ( had an c section) and had pains in my tummy every few mins with clots in the toilet- quite a lot. I happened to see my health visitor that day and said to her- ahh normal etc depending on activity levels, As I was walking out of the building I ran into the community midwife who had discharged me a few days prior and mentioned to her- same- im sure it’ll settled etc.
I had a few infections prior to this in my wound so I was actually on the phone to the Gp later that afternoon and she asked overall how was I given the infections in had had etc and mentioned to her that it was alot of blood- every time I sat on toilet it would gush out . She said go to the maternity unit straight away and I’m so glad I did as a few hours later it was much heavier and they had to manually remove some clots and also give me medication to make the others pass as well as Iv antibiotics- was an infection in the womb. All the midwives and doctors in hospital said yes it’s ok for a Short term slight increase in bleeding after a lot of activity but any significant new blood loss, smell or any pain should be investigated in case of a retained products causing infection. So considering your history and already had some retained product I would absolutely head off to a/e or maternity whatever is best and ask for a scan xx

Thanks all, I spoke to triage and they said it's probably normal but to let them know if it doesn't resolve in a few days.

The lochia does seem to be lessening now, and the colour is more pink than red.

I'm still getting the random period-like cramping, mainly in the evening, but a couple of ibuprofen sorts it out. Hopefully that'll resolve soon.

Spoke too soon... I just had some bright red bleeding and passed a clot about 4x3 cm.

I'm 3 weeks postpartum now.

Triage said to let them know if there are any more clots and they will do a scan.

I am worried about retained products. I'm wondering whether the fever and chills I had last week was actually a uterine infection, not mastitis. If so, I guess I'll start to show infection symptoms again soon now that my antibiotic course is over. I didn't have any severe uterine pains, though, and the bleeding isn't heavy so 🤷🏻‍♀️

Call them back Op, it sounds like something that should be checked out

I was fobbed off for weeks and at 7 weeks I was sent for a scan only because I kept calling in and even went in 2 times before

I did have retained products and ended up back in hospital having a D&C under a general
My iron levels dropped (again) so don't be me, push for a scan now

X

A scan will confirm so I would recommend pushing for a scan x

Ok, I will call again.

No more clots yet, but blood is bright red and fresh-looking. It's not insanely heavy, but I suspect it is clotting inside me instead of all just coming out (this happened before in a previous miscarriage).

I'm still cramping.

I took a pregnancy test and the second line was invisible to my mum but I could just about see it. From my experience, that would equate to a serum HCG level of < 5. I'd have thought it would be higher with retained products?

I really don't want any more stuff, after the haemorrhage, week in hospital, sepsis pathway, and then the mastitis (although maybe it was a uterine infection and never mastitis 🤷🏻‍♀️) and when I called triage after the clot they said to just call back again if I had more clots, which I haven't. So I just don't know.

Not to jinx it, but the bleeding has really tailed off the last few days.

It's much more pink than red now, and the volume has reduced. The cramps have also stopped.

Fingers crossed that's it... 🤞🏻