No matter how or where you give birth, the first days and weeks after delivery will bring what’s known as lochia. This old-fashioned-sounding term refers to the bleeding that happens when the placenta detaches from the uterus. This palm-sized wound is what causes the significant bleeding—much heavier than your regular period. Additionally, after birth, the uterine lining that supported your pregnancy sheds as well. Lochia is made up of blood, this lining, lymph, and some bacteria.

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Post-birth contractions, called afterpains, help your uterus shrink back to its normal size. These contractions tighten the blood vessels, gradually reducing the wound area. If this is your first baby, you’ll mostly feel just a light pulling sensation. However, moms who've had more than one child often experience these afterpains as much stronger and more painful. Here, a stabilizing belt, warm compress, a belly massage, or a postpartum recovery tea can be really helpful.

It typically takes about four weeks for full healing, though it may happen faster. If you're breastfeeding, the release of oxytocin will further stimulate your uterus, speeding up the healing process and helping with faster expulsion. In the case of a cesarean, the placenta is removed immediately after the baby, and the wound is treated, which usually means less bleeding overall.

The heaviest bleeding happens in the first few days. Afterward, both the amount and color change. A normal bleeding pattern looks like this:

• Days 1-3: Bright red blood, very heavy, mostly made up of blood, uterine lining, vernix, and amniotic sac remnants.
• After about a week: Bleeding slows, becomes lighter, and is more brownish. It’s mostly serum, lymph, and white blood cells.
• Around two weeks: Light bleeding, resembling spotting. The color is brownish-yellow, with a thicker, more mucus-like consistency. This phase is primarily discharge of mucus, bacteria, and tissue remnants.
• Final phase: The discharge becomes watery and very light, mostly consisting of wound fluid, which appears white.

The cervix usually closes within two to three days after birth, slowing the flow. This can cause blood to clot around mucus or sac remnants, which may appear as blood clots in your pad. These so-called coagula can be relatively large, but they’re perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. Often, you’ll feel a pulling sensation in the uterus as the expulsion of these clots helps it shrink.

Your midwife will closely monitor your bleeding and uterine recovery, both through questions and palpation. Be sure to check your pad before disposing of it, so you can give her the most accurate description of the amount and color of your lochia. For this reason, it’s important to wear pads and not period underwear in the first days after birth—the blood flow is too heavy, and monitoring the bleeding is crucial for your midwife to assess your body’s recovery processes.

The bleeding should never stop abruptly within the first week. If you notice any blockage or an increase in blood clots, make sure to consult your midwife or gynecologist. As a first aid measure, you can best support your uterus by lying on your stomach. This position is also very helpful for afterpains. Lie on a thicker pillow with it directly under your belly and stay in this position for 15-20 minutes, two to three times a day. If the bleeding doesn’t resume within 24 hours, seek professional advice. Belly massages can also be very soothing.