Bleeding After a C-section: What To Expect?

It’s completely normal to experience some vaginal bleeding after a C-section delivery. This type of bleeding, called lochia, happens after any type of birth, whether it’s a vaginal delivery or a C-section delivery. Lochia is your body’s way of clearing out the blood, mucus, and tissue from your uterus after giving birth. It’s a healthy part of the healing process and isn’t something to be alarmed about.

Your uterus and lower abdomen have been cut through to deliver your baby. They have to heal from the incision, and your uterus needs time to return to its pre-pregnancy size. This process naturally causes blood loss. 

However, you’ll probably experience less bleeding than someone who gave birth vaginally. This is because, during the C-section, the healthcare team cleans out the uterus, removing some of the tissue that would otherwise be shed with blood.

During the first few days after your C-section, the lochia bleeding might be fairly heavy, and you’ll notice it’s a bright red color. This is normal. Over the next week or two, the blood color will shift from red to pink or brown and eventually turn yellowish. The bleeding will also lessen as your body continues its journey to health. For most women, this can last anywhere from four to six weeks.

Managing the bleeding after your C-section is mostly about comfort and staying clean. Here are some simple tips to help you feel more at ease during this time:

• Use large maternity pads: Right after the surgery, you’ll need to use thick pads designed for postpartum bleeding2. Regular pads won’t be enough for the first few days or the first week of lochia. So maternity pads are a must! Make sure to change them often to stay comfortable and avoid infection. You can switch to lighter pads as your bleeding lessens over the weeks. By the end of your recovery, you’ll likely only need a panty liner for light spotting.

• Avoid tampons: Though it might seem like tampons would be easier, it’s important not to use them for a few weeks, until your doctor gives you the okay. Inserting anything into your vagina could introduce bacteria and cause an infection while you’re healing.

• Stay clean: It sounds obvious, but it is very important to keep your incision area clean, as well as your vaginal area. Gently wash yourself with warm water and pat dry. Avoid scrubbing or using harsh soaps, as your skin is sensitive.

• Wear comfortable underwear: High-waisted, loose-fitting underwear is your best friend right now. It keeps pressure off your incision site and helps you stay comfortable, especially if you’re dealing with a swollen belly. You’ll love to feel comfortable after you gave birth to your baby! Some women also like to use a belly binder after their pregnancy. It can help keep your dressings in place, after the caesarean delivery.

• Take it easy: Your body is healing, so try not to push yourself too much. Rest as much as you can for a few weeks, and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities. Walking is good for your circulation, but give yourself permission to take it slow. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your partner and loved ones. Be also mindful when you lift your baby!

While some bleeding is normal after a C-section, it’s important to know when to reach out for medical help. Most of the time, postpartum bleeding is not a cause for worry, but there are a few signs that might mean something is wrong. 

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

• Soaking a pad in an hour: If your bleeding becomes very heavy—enough to fill a pad in less than an hour—that’s a sign to call your doctor right away. This could indicate a postpartum hemorrhage, which requires immediate attention.

• Passing large clots: Small clots (about the size of a coin) are usually normal after birth. But if you pass clots that are bigger than a golf ball, it’s best to get in touch with your healthcare provider.

• Bleeding that brightens again: Lochia typically gets lighter over time. So if your bleeding suddenly turns bright red again after it has slowed down, this could be a sign that you’re overdoing it, or it could be an indicator of something more serious.

• Foul-smelling discharge: If your bleeding has a bad odor or if you develop a fever, this could be a sign of an infection in your uterus or incision¹. Infections are serious health concerns and need to be treated promptly. So don’t hesitate to call your doctor!

• Pain or swelling: If you notice increased pain, swelling, or tenderness around your incision site, or if you feel unwell in general, it’s important to get checked out. These could be signs of an infection or other health complications.

It’s always better to be safe and check with your healthcare provider if something doesn’t feel right. Trust your instincts—you know your body best. And don’t worry: once you’ve noticed the signs, your healthcare team will take it from there and give you the care you need.

Recovering takes time. You went through 9 months of pregnancy, and you did the most incredible thing there is: giving birth to your baby. After your caesarean delivery, give your body the care it needs. 

Here are some key tips to help you through the process:

• Rest and take it slow: Your body has been through major surgery, and it needs time to heal. It’s okay to rest and take things easy. Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby for at least six weeks. Try gentle walking to improve circulation, but always listen to your body.

• Care for your incision: Keep your incision area clean and dry. Don’t scrub the area—just gently wash it with water and pat it dry. Keeping an eye on the incision for signs of infection (redness, swelling, or discharge) is also important.

• Stay hydrated and eat well: Eating nutritious meals and staying hydrated will support your body’s healing process. Focus on foods rich in protein, fibre, and vitamins, which help tissue repair and prevent constipation.

• Manage pain: It’s normal to feel some discomfort after a C-section, but your doctor will likely give you pain relief medication to help. Make sure to take it as prescribed, and don’t push through pain—it’s a sign that your body needs rest.

• Focus on emotional recovery: It’s common to feel overwhelmed after a C-section, and you may have moments of feeling emotional or unsure. Reach out to your partner, family, or friends for support. You don’t have to go through this alone. If you find yourself struggling with feelings of sadness or anxiety, talk to your doctor about postpartum depression—they can help.

• Follow-up appointments: Don’t miss your postnatal checkups. Your doctor will monitor your recovery and ensure everything is healing as it should be. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any health concerns before your appointment.

Bleeding after a C-section is a normal part of the healing process. While it can feel a little overwhelming at times, knowing what to expect and when to seek help can put your mind at ease. Take care of yourself, rest when you need to, and trust that your body is doing what it needs to recover. If you ever feel unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider—they’re there to support you through this journey.