Postpartum Bleeding: What’s Normal and When to be Concerned

Women lose as much as 16.9 fluid ounces of blood after a vaginal delivery and up to 33.8 fluid ounces of blood during the first 24 hours after a Cesarean section. More blood loss than that may indicate postpartum hemorrhage, which can happen up to 12 weeks after having a baby. Whether delivering vaginally or via C-section, postpartum bleeding is part of the healing process and can last on and off for about eight weeks, longer if breastfeeding. “In the first few days, it can be like a heavy period,” said Susan Lipinski, M.D., OBGYN with Obstetrix® of Colorado, part of Pediatrix® Medical Group. “Over the next few days, it is [still] like a heavy period but quickly tapers off and may stop and start again.”

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