Bleeding after childbirth is often called lochia. It's the body's way of expelling blood, mucus, and tissue remnants as the uterus contracts and heals after pregnancy and childbirth. For many, it's reassuring to know that the duration can vary considerably, and that both the amount and color typically change over time.

For many, lochia lasts for several weeks. It usually subsides gradually, but the pace can vary from person to person.

As a practical rule of thumb, the process is often described in phases:

• The first few days: more bloody and fresh red (lochia rubra).
• After a few days to about a couple of weeks: more brownish or pinkish, often less in quantity (lochia serosa).
• Later: more yellowish or whitish discharge and more sparse (lochia alba).

If your bleeding fluctuates in intensity, it can also be related to activity and rest. If you experience significant deviations or become anxious, it is perfectly reasonable to contact a midwife, your general practitioner, or the maternity ward.

It's not just the duration that matters – the color and amount also provide useful information about how the body is healing.

• Small clots may occur, especially at the beginning, because blood can pool when you have been lying down.
• Bleeding may temporarily increase when you are more active or when you are breastfeeding, because the uterus is stimulated to contract.

Seek professional assessment if you experience:

• Sudden, very heavy bleeding where you quickly soak pads.
• Large blood clots, repeatedly.
• Severe, increasing pelvic pain, fever, or a general feeling of illness.
• Foul-smelling discharge, which can be a sign of infection.

In case of acute heavy bleeding or an affected condition, seek urgent medical help.

While the mode of birth can affect the experience, you can still have lochia for weeks after both vaginal birth and C-section. Some experience less bleeding after a C-section, but it is not a guarantee, as the uterus still needs to heal, and the uterine lining is still shed. The most important thing is that the bleeding gradually decreases over time, and that you watch out for warning signs.

It can be difficult to assess yourself, especially when you are also tired and getting to know your baby. Use these signs as practical guidelines and rather contact the healthcare system once too often than once too little:

• You feel dizzy, very pale, have heart palpitations, or feel unwell in connection with bleeding.
• The bleeding increases significantly instead of gradually decreasing.
• You develop a fever, chills, or severe pain.
• The discharge smells distinctly bad.

If in doubt, you can also bring it up at your postnatal check-up with your general practitioner.

The goal is to keep you dry, comfortable, and safe while your body recovers.

• Use pads, and change often enough to keep your skin dry.
• Avoid using tampons or menstrual cups while you still have lochia, unless you have received other specific professional advice.
• Prioritize rest and a gradual return to activity – many experience more bleeding if they push themselves too early.

In the initial period, it can be nice to have products specifically designed for the postpartum period. If you want to keep it simple, you can look at Disposable 10x Post Birth Care Pads or soft, practical postpartum panties like Washable 4x Hospital Panties. For gentle intimate hygiene, especially if you are sore, a perineal wash bottle can also be helpful, e.g., Intimate Care Wash Bottle.

Updated: 2026-06. Sources for professional guidance: general patient information on lochia and postpartum bleeding from e.g., sundhed.dk (Lægehåndbogen) and commonly used midwifery practice.