Your general health influences the effects of postpartum bleeding. That is why you need to eat and stay healthy in order to cope with postpartum bleeding.

Is it similar to periods?

No this discharge has nothing to do with your menstrual cycle. Whether you have a c-section or a normal vaginal delivery, you will experience bleeding and vaginal discharge for about 15 -20 days after you deliver.

Weeks after the delivery, the uterus continues to give out a discharge called Lochia that consists of the retained blood and tissues.

During the first five to six days, the discharge is bright red in colour. At the end of the first week it lessens and the colour changes to reddish brown. By the end of the bleeding process, the discharge will be light yellowish and less frequent.

Watch Out for Anaemia!

Yes, excessive blood loss is likely to make you anaemic. A blood loss of more than a litre at or after delivery can lead to anaemia. Your haemoglobin count pre-delivery also determines your chances of getting anaemia.

Anaemia leads to lactation problems, so remember to take prescribed iron supplements during and after delivery.

Also, eat nutritious foods such as oats, lentils, spinach, soya beans, cashew nuts, almonds.methi, that increase the haemoglobin count in your body.

Numb the Pain

Normally, as the weeks go by, the pain will subside. But you might feel weak and lethargic as your body has gone through a stressful process of giving birth. All your muscles and all the strength in your body has been used vigorously.

Call the doctor if;

• The discharge has a bad odour and you get fever often.
• Five to six days after your delivery, the discharge is still bright red with a heavy flow.
• Blood clots are frequent in your discharge.
• You feel very faint and your face has a pale appearance due to the loss of blood.
• You are unable to lactate appropriately.
• The discharge has turned yellow and there are sudden variations in the flow.

Take Care

Try to use good quality sanitary napkins that absorb large amounts of fluid .During the first few days after your delivery you will have heavy discharge. You could also use two pads at a time to be on the safe side.

Completely avoid using tampons because they increase the chances of infection in the uterus and the vagina. A complete vaginal hygiene routine is very essential. Trimming and washing with warm water will keep the area clean and bacteria free.

(With inputs from Dr. Hitesh Parikh, Gynaecologist)