Lochia & Downstairs Question

DD is 11days old, born vaginally with a 1hr 35min first stage and 18min second stage. I had a tear and some grazing which required stitches. DD is fully breastfed and I am also feeding DS (17months) three to four times a day.

I was in hospital for four days following her birth by which stage the bleeding had slowed right down (less than a maternity pad a day) and changing to browny red in colour. This continued at home and was getting less and less (panty liner a day). The last couple of days though it has gotten heavy again and I am going through multiple pads a day with bright red, sometimes deep red bleeding. I have also been getting very sore down there if I am upright for longer than an hour, quicker if I am moving about (and I'm not doing much at all as DH insists that I rest).

I know feeding and movement can increase loss, but does this sound right, especially with the pain? I bled for six weeks with DS but it wasn't like this...

Is the pain a new symptom or did it start when the bleeding got worse? Also is there any odour associated with your lochia? I would be tempted to get checked by a midwife just to rule out an infection but I also think your husband is quite correct in suggesting that you rest.

I agree with Traveller. Go and get checked, or at least ring your OB/MW to see what they say.

Also, 1.5 hour first stage labour?? 18 min second stage?? :o OMG!!! Can't wait to read your birth story!!

I would get checked hun. I was told when I was discharged that if I had any bright red blood after 7 days that I needed to come back in.

Thanks girls.

With the stitches it has been a bit painful, but it was bearable and getting better. But now I can barely get through cooking dinner without being in pain :(
I see my ob on Friday, but I might give her a call.I told the midwife when she came out on Monday but she wasn't too concerned... but that might just be because they are quick to pass you off when you have a private ob

YOu could also have a blood clot in there that you haven't passed yet, so it is worth getting checked out.

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YOu could also have a blood clot in there that you haven't passed yet, so it is worth getting checked out.

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I actually passed a really large clot right before delivering the placenta - made quite a mess of everything when it burst; and I've also passed a number of clots since, although nothing too large to be concerned about

Okay, I think I will definitely give my ob a ring

I passed a really large blood clot 10 days PP with my 4th bub and right before it I had a lot of bright red fresh blood too. If it is a clot that has adhered to the uterus, when it comes off there will be fresh blood and a bit of pain as you try to expell it. It's usually not a drama when it happens though but certainly worth asking about JIC.

I was bleeding for 6 weeks pp, then stopped for a few days then started back up again. turned out i had a bit of tissue left behind and my body was trying to expel it. which it did naturally and then the bleeding stopped. but i would definately get it checked out too.