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 Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Causes of Late Postpartum Hemorrhage

Late postpartum hemorrhage refers to a significant amount of vaginal bleeding that occurs two to three weeks after a cesarean section or natural childbirth. The causes of late postpartum hemorrhage include the following aspects. First, the presence of residuals in the uterine cavity, such as when the placenta or membranes remain within the uterine cavity after childbirth, can repeatedly stimulate the endometrium causing bleeding. Second, poor healing of the uterine incision during a cesarean section can lead to post-cesarean bleeding, a condition that easily causes late postpartum hemorrhage. Third, poor healing of episiotomy or perineal laceration wounds after natural childbirth can also potentially lead to late postpartum hemorrhage.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Can there still be heavy bleeding one year after childbirth?

Under normal circumstances, postpartum hemorrhage is one of the serious obstetric complications that can endanger the life of the mother. It is most commonly due to poor uterine contraction after childbirth, causing bleeding, and generally occurs within 24 hours after childbirth or as late postpartum hemorrhage occurring more than ten days after childbirth. If a year has passed since childbirth, there generally will not be instances of severe hemorrhage. It is advised to undergo an ultrasound examination within 42 days after childbirth to confirm whether the recovery of the uterus and its appendages is satisfactory. If the uterus has recovered back to its normal pre-pregnancy state, it generally will not cause severe hemorrhage.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Methods of assessing postpartum hemorrhage

There are several methods to assess the approximate amount of bleeding when postpartum hemorrhage occurs. Normally, a curved dish can be placed at the vaginal opening after childbirth. By collecting blood in this curved dish, you can understand the specific amount of bleeding. Alternatively, the gauze method can be used, estimating the amount of bleeding based on the specific area of each piece of gauze. Another method involves monitoring changes in the patient's vital signs and using the specific timing of shock indices to determine the amount of bleeding. However, it is crucial to promptly implement hemostasis to avoid severe consequences.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How much bleeding is considered postpartum hemorrhage?

Postpartum hemorrhage refers to a condition where, if the patient has vaginal delivery, the bleeding exceeds 500 milliliters within 24 hours after the fetus is delivered. If the delivery is via cesarean section, the bleeding exceeds 1000 milliliters, which is considered significant postpartum hemorrhage. The primary cause is mostly related to poor uterine contractions. Due to inadequate muscle contractions of the uterus, the blood vessels in the uterine muscle layer remain open, leading to bleeding. Another cause relates to placental factors, such as when the placenta is not entirely expelled, leading to remnants of the placenta and membranes remaining in the uterine cavity, which can also cause postpartum bleeding.

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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.