Recovery
Postpartum Bleeding: What's Normal and What's Not
By Rahul Singh Negi · Founder, MatraBloom · Published August 20, 2026 · Updated August 20, 2026 · 4 min read
This article is for general education and does not replace professional medical advice. Guidance aligns with ACOG, CDC, NHS, and WHO resources. Read our Medical Disclaimer.
Understanding lochia, bleeding patterns, and when to call your doctor.
Lochia is the vaginal discharge you experience after giving birth. It consists of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. Understanding what is normal can help you identify potential problems early.
For the first 3-4 days, lochia is bright red and heavy — similar to a heavy period. By days 4-10, it becomes lighter and pinkish-brown. After day 10, it becomes yellowish-white and may continue for 4-6 weeks.
Signs to contact your healthcare provider: soaking through one pad per hour for several hours, passing large clots (larger than a golf ball), foul-smelling discharge, fever, or bleeding that gets heavier instead of lighter.
Use only pads, not tampons, while bleeding continues. Rest, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy lifting.
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