| After delivery, you will bleed as the uterus contracts back to its original size. The bleeding shouldn’t be a lot heavier than a normal period. But sometimes, a piece of the placenta is left inside, which can lead to heavy bleeding. “You can also bleed heavily if you do too much activity,” Dr. Bohon says.How to treat it: If you lie down and the bleeding subsides, that’s a sign you’ve been overexerting yourself and should take it easy. But if rest doesn’t help and your doctor suspects retained placenta–part or all of your placenta is still inside–you will need a dilation and curettage, or D&C, to clean out your uterus.When to call the doctor: If you’re soaking more than one pad an hour or passing clots that are as big as a lemon, you need medical attention.
Long-term care: You may be anemic and tired after blood loss, so your doctor may prescribe iron supplements and plenty of rest.
After delivery, you will bleed as the uterus contracts back to its original size. The bleeding shouldn’t be a lot heavier than a normal period. But sometimes, a piece of the placenta is left inside, which can lead to heavy bleeding. “You can also bleed heavily if you do too much activity,” Dr. Bohon says.
How to treat it: If you lie down and the bleeding subsides, that’s a sign you’ve been overexerting yourself and should take it easy. But if rest doesn’t help and your doctor suspects retained placenta–part or all of your placenta is still inside–you will need a dilation and curettage, or D&C, to clean out your uterus.
When to call the doctor: If you’re soaking more than one pad an hour or passing clots that are as big as a lemon, you need medical attention.
Long-term care: You may be anemic and tired after blood loss, so your doctor may prescribe iron supplements and plenty of rest. |