Postpartum Bleeding, What Is It?

Although postpartum bleeding occurs in all mothers after giving birth, its complications are completely preventable and do not usually cause problems. However, it is important to know how to deal with these moments.

Postpartum bleeding is one of the consequences of childbirth. In smaller quantities, it is a common process that can be treated from home. However, it can cause complications if the flow is too heavy. We tell you everything about it.

Also called postpartum lochia, this expulsion of blood is abundant in the first two or three days and usually decreases over time. The maximum period for their disappearance is two weeks.

It is a totally natural process. With it, remains that remain in the uterus after birth are discarded: cervical mucus, placental remains and secretions from healing.

In order for this expulsion to be done more efficiently, the organism generates wrongs. These are nothing more than intense contractions that occur a day or two after giving birth; its purpose is to contribute to this “cleaning” process.

Three phases of postpartum bleeding

The three stages that postpartum bleeding is divided into are:

• First phase: it produces reddish lochia. They contain epithelial cells, leukocytes, and sometimes lanugo (fetal hair at birth). It occurs in the first two or three days after delivery; it may flow steadily or intermittently and may also contain clots.
• Second phase: pinkish colored serous lochia are expelled. It occurs between the three and the first ten days of the baby’s life. They contain erythrocytes and leukocytes and serous exudate.
• Third phase: here white or yellowish lochia are generated. They are given after the second week after delivery. Their color is due to the fact that they are composed mainly of leukocytes.

Cares to Consider During Postpartum Bleeding

If you are wondering what you should do to get through this stage without problems, here are some recommendations:

• Take showers and not baths : this way you can prevent possible infections. Apply plenty of water.
• Use postpartum compresses to sanitize the area.
• The use of tampons is not allowed.
• Be very attentive to symptoms such as fever or malaise, as they may indicate some type of infection.
• When going to the hospital or medical check-ups, take a suitcase with hygiene items. After delivery, it is advisable to bring special towels or dressings for pregnant women in order to avoid losses.

When bleeding becomes hemorrhage

When the amount of bleeding lost by a woman after giving birth exceeds 500 cc., Specialists refer to it no longer as postpartum bleeding, but as postpartum hemorrhage. In caesarean sections, this parameter increases to 1000 cc.

It can occur in the first 24 hours of the puerperium; This is called early postpartum hemorrhage. If it occurs after this period, it is called late postpartum hemorrhage. The latter usually occurs much less than the early.

Causes of postpartum hemorrhage

One cause of postpartum hemorrhage  – perhaps the most worrisome – may be what is called uterine atony. This consists of the loss of the muscles of the uterus once the baby and the placenta have been delivered. Arriving at that instance, what that organ does naturally is to contract; thus, the bleeding that occurs is minimal.

When this does not occur, the risks to the mother are significant. Doctors must act quickly to stop the bleeding. Some can be very intense and compromise the life of the new mom.

On the other hand, it can also be due to other factors such as the following:

• Trauma: If tissue or blood vessel tears occur during childbirth, bleeding is a very likely consequence.
• Tissue retention: occurs when fragments of the placenta or even the fetus are attached to the uterus.
• Coagulopathies: consist of failures in the coagulation process. They can be caused by conditions such as pre-eclampsia.

Treatment

Excessive bleeding immediately after giving birth is highly preventable. The method for this consists of uterotonic medications such as oxytocin or carbetocin that are administered intravenously. In adequate health conditions, as all childbirth should take place, this is a simple and routine task for specialist doctors.

Complications with postpartum bleeding

As we mentioned before, certain situations can cause mild postpartum bleeding to turn into hemorrhage; that’s when everything becomes more complex.

Unfortunately, the World Health Organization figures for deaths after childbirth are not encouraging. Worldwide, 830 women die from complications in childbirth or pregnancy. Most of them – 99% to be exact – reside in developing countries and rural areas.

In any case, it stands out that this mortality rate fell by 44% between 1990 and 2015. Medical advances have helped a lot: specialist care can save the lives of both women and babies. Today, the countries of the “first world” almost do not regret these kinds of problems.

Beyond the latter, you must remain calm. Except for exceptional situations, postpartum bleeding is something that no longer causes problems. Just try to apply the corresponding recommendations regarding personal hygiene and do not hesitate to consult if you feel discomfort or other symptoms.