Spotting After Childbirth
Spotting after childbirth, or lochia, is a temporary condition whereby blood flows out of the uterus for several weeks. According to BabyCenter.com, all women experience some sort of spotting after childbirth. Although spotting cannot be prevented, it can be managed by using pads and avoiding actions that increase bleeding.
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Cause
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Spotting occurs after childbirth because of the expulsion of the placenta. According to the Virtual OB-GYN Office, detachment of the placenta after childbirth causes blood vessels to bleed where it was located in the uterus, causing spotting. Eventually, the uterus begins to heal and develops new tissue, causing the top layer of tissue to fall off. This stops the bleeding.
Appearance
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The spotting consists of blood and tissue from the uterine lining, which peels off like an old scab after birth. The spotting looks bright red a few days after childbirth, with the consistency of a heavy menstrual period. There may be clumps of blood with the spotting. The spotting lightens in two to four days, having a more watery consistency and a pinker color. The spotting turns into white or pale yellow discharge 10 days after childbirth.
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Length
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According to BabyCenter.com, vaginal spotting lasts for two to four weeks after childbirth. Some women experience it for a couple of more weeks. Women who are on the progestin-only birth control pill or have received the birth control shot experience spotting for a month or more after childbirth.
Triggers
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Certain movements can also increase spotting. According to BirthSource.com, standing up after sitting or laying down for a long time can increase blood flow out of the vagina. Getting up after prolonged ambulation also increases it.
Treatment
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There is no treatment for spotting after childbirth. The spotting is allowed to continue until the uterus shrinks and heals. However, in order to manage the bleeding, you can use heavy-duty sanitary pads, which are usually given by hospital staff. Smaller pads are used once the bleeding becomes lighter. BirthSource.com does not recommend using tampons and pantyliners.
According to BabyCenter.com, women should also urinate often in order to reduce bleeding. This allows the uterus to contract faster. Getting plenty of rest also reduces bleeding.
Warning
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If there is excess bleeding or bleeding that soaks an entire sanitary pad within an hour, seek medical attention immediately. This can indicate a late postpartum hemorrhage, caused when there is a problem with the shrinking of the uterus. Also, seek medical help immediately if you experience light-headedness, general weakness, a rapid heartbeat, confusion, shallow or rapid breathing, clammy skin and noticeable restlessness. These are signs that someone is going into shock.
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