If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
"Normal" recovery after "normal" birth -- lochia, clots, pain
I've been researching on the internet, and I can't get a straight
answer about what is "normal" and what is cause for a call to the doctor, as far as bleeding, passing clots, and having pain when you're approaching 2 weeks post-partum. Anyone know what really is "normal"? I didn't even tear during my birth, but I'm still having a lot of pain in the vaginal area from time-to-time (it's definitely there, and not hemmorhoids). Plus, I'm still bleeding bright red and occasionally passing a lot of clots, most very small but some approaching the size of an egg. I know this kind of activity would be normal in the first few days after birth, but I'm now 11 days pp. Is it still "normal"? Thanks. -Carlye DS 6-2-06 DD 9-29-04 |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
"Normal" recovery after "normal" birth -- lochia, clots, pain
carlye wrote:
I've been researching on the internet, and I can't get a straight answer about what is "normal" and what is cause for a call to the doctor, as far as bleeding, passing clots, and having pain when you're approaching 2 weeks post-partum. Anyone know what really is "normal"? I didn't even tear during my birth, but I'm still having a lot of pain in the vaginal area from time-to-time (it's definitely there, and not hemmorhoids). Plus, I'm still bleeding bright red and occasionally passing a lot of clots, most very small but some approaching the size of an egg. I know this kind of activity would be normal in the first few days after birth, but I'm now 11 days pp. Is it still "normal"? I think bleeding and passing clots is normal for up to 6 weeks after birth. It's normal for it to completely stop for a few days, long enough to make you think it's over and done with, and then you do some heavy walking or lifting or other semi-strenous activity, and it starts up again. I don't know about the pain though. The fact that it's vaginal pain, and intermittant, I would think is better than constant uterine cramping or pain. You birthed a baby, it makes sense to me that your vaginal area is a little in shock and ****ed off about that fact! : ) If you are unsure, call or ask to be seen. Hugs. -- Jamie Earth Angels: Taylor Marlys, 1/3/03 Addison Grace, 9/30/04 Check out the family! -- www.MyFamily.com, User ID: Clarkguest1, Password: Guest Become a member for free - go to Add Member to set up your own User ID and Password |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
"Normal" recovery after "normal" birth -- lochia, clots, pain
Jamie Clark wrote:
I think bleeding and passing clots is normal for up to 6 weeks after birth. It's normal for it to completely stop for a few days, long enough to make you think it's over and done with, and then you do some heavy walking or lifting or other semi-strenous activity, and it starts up again. I don't know about the pain though. The fact that it's vaginal pain, and intermittant, I would think is better than constant uterine cramping or pain. You birthed a baby, it makes sense to me that your vaginal area is a little in shock and ****ed off about that fact! : ) If you are unsure, call or ask to be seen. Hugs. Thanks, Jamie. I really did figure it was normal, but I'm amazed how many sources out there say things like "bright red bleeding should cease within about a week," and so I just wasn't sure. If I hadn't just been in the ER over the weekend with mastitis, I probably would be booking an appointment with my doc just to be on the safe side, but frankly, I'm sick of doctors and hospitals and whatnot. Between Hale and me, we've had four visits in the space of a week. So I will wait at least another week and see if it tapers off, I guess. If only DH didn't have to work 12 hour days practically every day, I'd be able to spend a day in bed and see if that'd help things, but unfortunately, that's just not a possibility. Thanks again. -Carlye DS 6-2-06 DD 9-29-04 |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
"Normal" recovery after "normal" birth -- lochia, clots, pain
carlye wrote:
I've been researching on the internet, and I can't get a straight answer about what is "normal" and what is cause for a call to the doctor, as far as bleeding, passing clots, and having pain when you're approaching 2 weeks post-partum. Anyone know what really is "normal"? I had lochia for the full 6 weeks with both kids. It went from bright red to dull red to bright if I did anything mildly strenuous (like driving) and cycled up and down for awhile. The afterpains (uterus contracting back down to normal size) lasted about a week or so. Hurt like heck while nursing!!! -- Anita -- |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
"Normal" recovery after "normal" birth -- lochia, clots, pain
carlye wrote:
I've been researching on the internet, and I can't get a straight answer about what is "normal" and what is cause for a call to the doctor, as far as bleeding, passing clots, and having pain when you're approaching 2 weeks post-partum. Anyone know what really is "normal"? It should start turning lighter in color. (the lochia) it goes from red to pink to brown to yellow to white. I had retained placenta 3 times, and all 3 times I passed a lot of clots and had lower abdominal pain. I had some clots bigger than the size of my hand, and some smaller ones. might be worth getting an ultrasound to make sure you're cleaned out properly. my personal opinion, from having had retained placental fragments 3 times..it sounds like it may be a possibility. I didn't even tear during my birth, but I'm still having a lot of pain in the vaginal area from time-to-time (it's definitely there, and not hemmorhoids). Plus, I'm still bleeding bright red and occasionally passing a lot of clots, most very small but some approaching the size of an egg. I know this kind of activity would be normal in the first few days after birth, but I'm now 11 days pp. Is it still "normal"? Thanks. -Carlye DS 6-2-06 DD 9-29-04 |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
"Normal" recovery after "normal" birth -- lochia, clots, pain
"Yiddishkeit" wrote in message ups.com... It should start turning lighter in color. (the lochia) it goes from red to pink to brown to yellow to white. I had retained placenta 3 times, and all 3 times I passed a lot of clots and had lower abdominal pain. I had some clots bigger than the size of my hand, and some smaller ones. might be worth getting an ultrasound to make sure you're cleaned out properly. my personal opinion, from having had retained placental fragments 3 times..it sounds like it may be a possibility. I'll second this! I retained product after the birth of DS and kept passing clots and the blood was bright red, plus I had abdominal pains. While it could be nothing, I think it's better to check it out with a doctor and maybe get an ultrasound to make sure you haven't retained anything. A friend got put off by her doctor for weeks on end because he wouldn't do an ultrasound for her, saying it was "normal". If it doesn't change to a lighter colour, hurts and there's lots of clots, I'd demand to get it check out. We finally talked this friend into demanding that the bleeding and clots be checked and she ended up having a D&C after weeks of pain and bleeding. |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
"Normal" recovery after "normal" birth -- lochia, clots, pain
Engram wrote: "Yiddishkeit" wrote in message ups.com... It should start turning lighter in color. (the lochia) it goes from red to pink to brown to yellow to white. I had retained placenta 3 times, and all 3 times I passed a lot of clots and had lower abdominal pain. I had some clots bigger than the size of my hand, and some smaller ones. might be worth getting an ultrasound to make sure you're cleaned out properly. my personal opinion, from having had retained placental fragments 3 times..it sounds like it may be a possibility. I'll second this! I retained product after the birth of DS and kept passing clots and the blood was bright red, plus I had abdominal pains. While it could be nothing, I think it's better to check it out with a doctor and maybe get an ultrasound to make sure you haven't retained anything. Thanks, Engram and Yiddishkeit. I appreciate the cautionary note, and am certainly going to go see my doctor now if this doesn't change within the next week. I've been under a lot of stress and have been physically straining myself a lot (mostly just picking up and manhandling my 30-pound DD -- I'm certainly not lifting weights yet!!) and I want to give it a few days in case that's the problem. But you both mention how lochia should change color -- I know this, but I'm not finding a consistent answer to the "when" question. Do you know when it should change from bright red? Thanks! -Carlye DS 6-2-06 DD 9-29-04 |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
"Normal" recovery after "normal" birth -- lochia, clots, pain
"carlye" wrote in message ups.com... Thanks, Engram and Yiddishkeit. I appreciate the cautionary note, and am certainly going to go see my doctor now if this doesn't change within the next week. I've been under a lot of stress and have been physically straining myself a lot (mostly just picking up and manhandling my 30-pound DD -- I'm certainly not lifting weights yet!!) and I want to give it a few days in case that's the problem. But you both mention how lochia should change color -- I know this, but I'm not finding a consistent answer to the "when" question. Do you know when it should change from bright red? Try he http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/bab...ery/11722.html They say it should be turning pinkish within a few days, then going to yellow or white within a couple of weeks. Other sites say it can be up to 4 weeks, but gradually lightening. I'd guess that at almost 2 weeks post partum you'd expect that a change in colour would have occurred, even if you were going to experience lochia for 4 weeks rather than just 2. The babycenter site says you should call a doctor if 4 days after the birth you are bleeding heavily (saturating pads quickly) or passing clots bigger than a gold ball (which matches your description of "size of an egg"). I've only given birth once so far so cannot comment on whether running around after another child is going to result in bleeding and clots like what you describe. I don't think you can wait until end of September or early October for me to impart any wisdom gained then |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
"Normal" recovery after "normal" birth -- lochia, clots, pain
I didn't even tear during my birth, but I'm still having a lot of pain in the vaginal area from time-to-time (it's definitely there, and not hemmorhoids). Plus, I'm still bleeding bright red and occasionally passing a lot of clots, most very small but some approaching the size of an egg. I know this kind of activity would be normal in the first few days after birth, but I'm now 11 days pp. Is it still "normal"? I'm a little surprised about pain in the vaginal area, had you said on the perinium, I would not be surprised. The bleeding sounds very normal, I got sudden clots around that amount postpartum, I called the midwife, she said only to be concerned if it carried on. Personally I think the combo of the pain and the continued red bleeding with no let up, I would want checking out. Anne |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
"Normal" recovery after "normal" birth -- lochia, clots, pain
carlye wrote:
Thanks, Engram and Yiddishkeit. I appreciate the cautionary note, and am certainly going to go see my doctor now if this doesn't change within the next week. I've been under a lot of stress and have been physically straining myself a lot (mostly just picking up and manhandling my 30-pound DD -- I'm certainly not lifting weights yet!!) and I want to give it a few days in case that's the problem. But you both mention how lochia should change color -- I know this, but I'm not finding a consistent answer to the "when" question. Do you know when it should change from bright red? I think by 2 weeks post partum it should already be turning a bit lighter, though you can still spot red a bit for a few weeks. bit if you are still bleeding bright red consistantly 2 weeks post partum and passing clots and having abdominal pain, it sounds a lot like retained placenta. especially the abdominal pain is a sign Thanks! -Carlye DS 6-2-06 DD 9-29-04 |
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Various MD crimes (obvious ones) | Todd Gastaldo | Pregnancy | 0 | May 17th 04 04:48 PM |
What is Erb's?/Dr. Hein on Erb's & Gherman/Erb's class action | Todd Gastaldo | Pregnancy | 0 | March 7th 04 01:01 AM |
FRONTLINE FIX (now one for babies, Raney?) | Todd Gastaldo | Pregnancy | 1 | November 7th 03 04:47 AM |
'Closed vagina' never discussed/Louis XIV viewed vagina at birth... | Todd Gastaldo | Pregnancy | 0 | November 2nd 03 05:34 PM |