This is an infection isn’t it?

[Creamcakesandpastries]

I am 6 weeks PP and worried about my blood loss. After about 2-3 weeks I thought it was slowing right down and I think it had gone brownish in colour, but then I suddenly passed a clot and had a big gush of blood. It then immediately slowed right down again to what I would describe as a light period (bright red blood but not enough to fill a pad even after several hours) and has stayed exactly the same ever since. I feel like it should be watery pinkish/brown by now and be starting to tail off completely, but it just seems really consistent.

I have also been having a lot of heart palpitations. I had them occasionally before pregnancy, I think usually when I was anxious, but now since having the baby I have them quite regularly throughout the day. No pain at all either in my abdomen or chest, just regular flutters in my chest and the small amount of continuous bright red blood. I am ringing the GP in the morning but sitting here BF the baby worrying about it :(

Could it be that it's your first period? Xx

Go to GP. In the meantime, check your temp, try and check your heart rate sitting and standing. (Count the number of beats in one minute by setting the timer on your phone. The pulse in your neck is easier to find sometimes.)

Getting it checked out is the right decision. However, to reassure you, I bled 7-8 weeks with all three of my DCs, and would alternate between clear, brown and red. After the first couple of weeks, the bright red blood only came on days when I had over-exerted myself. My midwives said it was completely normal.

re: heart palpitations, these can also come from post-partum anxiety. Even if the GP clears you for infection, do keep an eye on that.

Congrats on your little one, and I hope that you turn out to be perfectly healthy! 🤞

Thank you so much for replying at such an ungodly hour!

@twinkletwinkle89 I suppose it could be but it’s been the way it is now for a couple of weeks now and it never felt like the lochia stopped? Also I am EBF but I have read that periods can still come back pretty soon despite this.

@UpToMyElbowsInDiapers thank you! I think I might have some form of anxiety tbh, going to mention this to the GP too

@Fraaahnces ooh ok I have never checked my pulse like this. What rate(s) would I be looking for?

I'd be going on some sort of iron tbh. No harm for a check up if you can get one. You would probably have a vile smell if you had an infection though. Always get checked out if you're worried.

@gamerchick I was on iron tablets for 28 days after leaving hospital as my level was low after birth; maybe I need another lot? I was told to get a blood count after 6 weeks regardless of symptoms so that’s another reason I’m speaking to the GP. I gave birth vaginally and lost 1.5 litres of blood, wonder if it’s all connected.