Recognize Normal and Abnormal Bleeding After Childbirth

Bleeding that occurs after childbirth can be caused by normal or abnormal conditions. It is important to recognize the difference between the two, so that you can determine how you should react. During pregnancy, blood volume will usually increase by around 50%. This increase in blood volume is a preparation for dealing with blood loss during labor. Women who give birth by cesarean section usually experience more bleeding than women who give birth normally.

Signs of Bleeding After Childbirth that Are Classified as Normal

Bleeding after childbirth generally comes from tears in the vagina or due to episiotomy performed during labor. In addition, bleeding can also occur during the process of removal of the placenta. Shortly after the baby is born, contractions in the uterus will trigger the release of the placenta. Under normal conditions, contractions will continue until the bleeding stops. A few days after delivery, blood will come out gradually. This is one of the things women experience after giving birth. Some signs of bleeding after childbirth that are classified as normal are:
  • Bleeding can be preceded by a blood flow that is quite heavy and bright red. Sometimes bleeding is accompanied by a blood clot.
  • Gradually, the blood will turn pink, brown, and finally be replaced by a yellowish white liquid.
Normal bleeding is also called puerperal bleeding, which can last 2-6 weeks after delivery. In the early days of the puerperium, you may need a special pad because there is plenty of bleeding, but over time, you can use regular pads.

Symptoms of Bleeding After an Abnormal Birth

To be aware of dangerous conditions, you need to know the symptoms when abnormal bleeding occurs, namely:
  • Heavy bleeding, which can quickly cause hypovolemic shock. This condition can be characterized by feeling weak, pale, decreased blood pressure, confusion, anxiety, and reduced frequency and amount of urine.
  • If an infection occurs, bleeding can also be accompanied by an unpleasant odor, fever, and lower abdominal pain.
Bleeding after childbirth, or often referred to as postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), can occur the day after delivery, or it can also be several days to weeks afterwards. The causes of abnormal postpartum bleeding are:
  • The uterus does not contract properly after removing the placenta (uterine atony)
  • Severe tear of the vagina or perineum
  • A torn uterus (uterine rupture)
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Placenta accreta and placenta previa
Abnormal bleeding after giving birth requires immediate treatment, because it can be life threatening. Management of bleeding after childbirth will begin with treating the emergency condition first, then continuing to treat the cause of bleeding after the patient's condition is stable. If it is caused by an interruption of uterine contractions, massage will be carried out to stimulate the contractions or administration of drugs that trigger uterine contractions. If it is caused by a tear in the vagina and perineum, it will be sutured to the torn area. Meanwhile, if it is caused by a rupture of the uterus, surgery will be performed to stop bleeding or even the surgical removal of the uterus. You need to recognize normal and abnormal signs of bleeding after childbirth, so you can anticipate dangerous conditions. If you experience symptoms or signs of abnormal bleeding, immediately check with your doctor to get treatment.

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