I've been searching on the web and in books and can't find a straight answer. I am at 4 weeks postpartum and my bleeding was brown and now it's turning reddish and a little heavier again. I've been breastfeeding only and I haven't been doing more activity. In "What to Expect When You're Expecting" it says not to worry about a "brief episode of painless bleeding at about three weeks". Does that mean that what I'm having is normal? And does anyone know why? I also read online about something called 6 week bleeding, which would cause bleeding to do this also. I'm just looking for more information on this if anyone has any. I would call my doctor but he is off on Thursdays and really hard to get a hold of on Fridays since he works half days. Also one more question, in my book it also says you have to wait to have sex until your lochia has stopped. Is this still true if your doctor said you only have to wait 4 weeks?
2006-08-31 08:25:04 · 11 answers · asked by mommyem 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
After all 3 of my kids were born I experienced the same thing. My bleeding had slowed to the point where it was brown and I was only using panty-liners, then suddenly it was heavier and red again for a while. My midwife said that this was perfectly normal, though she didn't mention why it happens.
As far as the sex, I, too, have heard that it is safer to wait until after the bleeding stops before having sex. After each of my kids, I just waited until the red blood was gone before having sex. So pretty much once this second round of red blood is gone for you, I think it should be safe.
2006-08-31 08:37:11 · answer #1 · answered by Mellie 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If there's no foul odor and you're not totally hurting down there, it's probably normal, esp. if your little one nursed more often the day before or something.
Did anyone teach you how to do uterine massage on yourself?
I believe in waiting until at least the lochia has stopped to have sex since that's an indication that your cervix is still open. Keep in mind that lochia is caused by a large wound inside your uterus where the placenta used to be attached and sheered off. Respect your body and expect your partner to, too. If you reallly want to be sexual, get creative!
2006-08-31 15:42:43 · answer #2 · answered by MorningG 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, my midwife told me that the bleeding can vary in amount and intensity throughout the six (or so) weeks postpartum...so she told me not to be too worried. (I had my daughter on June 1st.) But I also noticed, as others have said, that with increased activity, the flow was heavier. For instance, the first time I went for a nice long walk, at about 5 wks p.p., I noticed upon returning home that I was bleeding more heavily. However, it only lasted for about 24 hrs and then slacked off again. I just took it a bit easier the next few days and it was fine. I think it's normal to have heavier flow w/more activity; just don't overdo it. :) Still, if it worries you and it persists, I'd call the OB/midwife just to be sure. They know best. :) Best wishes!
2006-08-31 15:39:08 · answer #3 · answered by peachy78 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I breastfed exclusively and bled for a good 6 weeks. The last 2 weeks got really light...but still bleeding. As long as you are bleeding your cervix is still open...which means that sperm can still get in and even though breastfeeding helps to suppress ovulation it is not a sure thing. So, if you are still bleeding and ready for marital "fun" then use protection.
2006-08-31 15:44:52 · answer #4 · answered by JordanB 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same thing happend to me with my first. It seems to last forever in the first place. While I didn't go for the full 6 weeks, I experienced a lightening of the flow, and thought it was all over with, when it started back up again basicaly, but it really didn't last very long. It does end eventually! Thank god lol.
And yes, it is best to wait until that is all over with before having sex. But if you ended up with stitches, then you REALLY want to wait. My husband got the same idea and I had no clue, man was it painfull to deal with the stitches. ugh.
Congrats!
2006-08-31 15:31:55 · answer #5 · answered by saintlyinnocents 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Its best to follow doctor's orders. I know right after I finished my postpartum bleeding...I got my period. That might be what it is. You could call your doctor's office or even the maternity ward you had your baby in for advice. Best thing is to talk to a doctor, no one can really give you the advice you need on here! Good Luck.
2006-08-31 15:29:14 · answer #6 · answered by .vato. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should wait to have sex until your flow has stopped. This will help to avoid infection.
If your bleeding had slowed down and now is increased and darker, it is probably a sign that you need to take it easy for a few days.
2006-08-31 15:28:29 · answer #7 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
call the office, this is bordering on an emergency...
maybe there is a doc who can see you in his place.
Or, call the hospital & see what they say...
Wait just a bit longer to have sex will you??
Good God, take care of your body first!
2006-08-31 15:32:23 · answer #8 · answered by fairly smart 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say your probably just having your regular period, but I'd try to call another doctor. I'm sure one would tell you even though it's not the doctor you see.
2006-08-31 15:32:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Truly be careful, this happened to my sister in law and she was actually hemorrhaging. Please, if it becomes bright red again, go the the emergency room. She almost died.
2006-08-31 15:32:12 · answer #10 · answered by flower 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋