Vaginal bleeding and discharge after birth is called lochia. Public Health Agency of Canada guidance says it can continue for up to six weeks after either a vaginal or caesarean birth and should generally become lighter over time.
Contact a healthcare professional promptly for symptoms that are severe, worsening, or concerning. Seek emergency care for chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, seizures, very heavy bleeding, signs of a blood clot, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
What commonly happens
Bleeding is often heavier and red in the first days and may include small clots. It usually changes colour and decreases as healing progresses. Activity or breastfeeding can temporarily make cramping or flow feel more noticeable.
Use bleeding as feedback
If exercise or activity makes bleeding become bright red or noticeably heavier, Canadian postpartum guidance advises taking it easier.
When bleeding is not routine
New or severe bleeding, large clots, dizziness, fainting, worsening abdominal pain, foul-smelling discharge or other symptoms that make you feel unwell should be assessed promptly.
This page summarizes general public-health guidance. It is not a diagnosis or a personalized treatment plan.
Sources
Key takeaways
- Lochia is normal discharge after birth and occurs after vaginal and C-section births.
- The amount and colour should generally become lighter over time.
- Very heavy bleeding, large clots with concerning symptoms, dizziness or feeling faint require prompt medical care.
What this means day to day
Lochia is the mix of blood, mucus and tissue that leaves the uterus after birth. It usually starts red, then becomes darker or brownish, then lighter or yellow-white as healing continues. The exact pattern varies.
You may notice more flow after lying down or while breastfeeding because blood can collect in the vagina and uterine contractions can increase. Activity can also make bleeding brighter. If activity clearly increases bleeding, use that as a sign to rest.
What matters most is the trend and how you feel. Bleeding that is suddenly much heavier, soaks pads rapidly, or comes with dizziness, weakness, fever, severe pain or a bad smell should not be managed by a blog article. Contact your healthcare provider or seek urgent care.
A simple checklist
- Use pads so you can monitor the amount and colour of bleeding.
- Note whether flow is getting lighter over days and weeks.
- Rest if activity makes bleeding noticeably heavier.
- Call your healthcare provider for bad-smelling discharge, fever or increasing pelvic pain.
- Seek urgent care for very heavy bleeding or if you feel faint or unwell.
Common questions
How long does postpartum bleeding last?
Bleeding and discharge can continue for several weeks. It should generally become lighter and change colour as healing progresses.
Can bleeding get heavier after activity?
Yes, activity can sometimes make bleeding look brighter or heavier. Slow down and rest; seek care if bleeding is very heavy or concerning.
Do you have lochia after a C-section?
Yes. The uterus still has to heal after the placenta separates, so postpartum discharge also occurs after a C-section.
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