How long will postpartum bleeding last until it stops?

Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
Updated on January 08, 2025
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Generally, in normal childbirth or after cesarean section surgery, there is usually a small amount of vaginal bleeding, which typically subsides completely within about a week. If there is heavy bleeding after delivery, it is crucial to closely monitor the vaginal bleeding to rule out the possibility of delayed postpartum hemorrhage.

If the uterus contracts well and there is no retention of placental fragments, the area will generally be clean within about a week, albeit with some bloody discharge. Therefore, if there is abnormal vaginal bleeding postpartum, it is recommended to promptly re-examine to exclude the possibility of late bleeding, so as to avoid endangering life.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can you eat spicy food with late postpartum hemorrhage?

Women who experience late postpartum hemorrhage should not eat spicy foods. Spicy foods are not conducive to wound healing. Additionally, they may reduce the body's immune resistance, which could potentially lead to infections. Women who have postpartum bleeding should focus on a light diet and consume high-nutrition, easily digestible foods, such as eggs, milk, lean meat, fresh vegetables, and fruits, which can provide the necessary nutrients needed for postpartum recovery. Furthermore, appropriate physical activity is also beneficial for bodily recovery.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Postpartum hemorrhage patient care

During the process of postpartum hemorrhage, there are several considerations for the care of patients with postpartum hemorrhage. First, during the patient care process, it is necessary to closely monitor whether the contraction of the uterus is good, monitor the height of the uterine fundus, and the specific vaginal bleeding situation. Moreover, it is also necessary to provide a light and nutritious diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods. Due to the massive bleeding caused by the surgical process, patients are generally weak, so it is recommended to rest more, avoid excessive fatigue, and also avoid looking after the newborn again to prevent various body disorders.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should be done for late postpartum hemorrhage?

If there is a small or moderate amount of vaginal bleeding, high doses of antibiotics should be administered, along with medications to induce uterine contractions. This can reduce the amount of bleeding after the uterus contracts. If there is suspicion of placental remnants or other residues in the uterine cavity, then a dilation and curettage (D&C) surgery may be necessary. Before surgery, it is essential to prepare blood for transfusion in case of excessive bleeding. Additionally, the tissue removed during the procedure needs to be sent for pathological examination. After the D&C, it is important to continue treatment with anti-inflammatory medications and drugs that promote uterine contraction.

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Written by Zhang Yin Xing
Obstetrics
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Does postpartum breastfeeding cause bleeding?

Bleeding caused by postpartum breastfeeding generally occurs within 42 days after delivery, during which the mother has lochia secretion. Breastfeeding promotes the secretion of oxytocin, which acts on the uterus and causes it to contract, facilitating the expulsion of lochia and aiding in the recovery of the uterus. Typically, by 42 days postpartum, the uterus has returned to its non-pregnant size and the expulsion of lochia is essentially complete. Subsequent breastfeeding is not directly related to vaginal bleeding. Another situation is due to the increase in prolactin during lactation; menstrual periods may not have fully resumed in women who are breastfeeding, and abnormal uterine bleeding may occur. As long as the amount and duration of bleeding do not exceed normal menstrual flow, no special treatment is needed.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Causes of Late Postpartum Hemorrhage

Late postpartum hemorrhage is most commonly caused by retained placenta and membranes. About ten days after childbirth, the patient may experience significant bleeding due to the degeneration and necrosis of the retained placental and membrane tissues within the uterine cavity. When these necrotic tissues are shed, it can cause the blood vessels to open and lead to bleeding. Additionally, poor healing of the placental site on the uterus can also cause bleeding, as can infections, with endometritis being relatively common. Inflammation can lead to poor healing of the placental attachment site or poor uterine contraction, resulting in significant uterine bleeding.