What should you know about black stool after giving birth?

Iron prescribed after delivery commonly darkens stool. Bismuth-containing medicines and dark foods can do the same. This type of colour change is usually not sticky or tar-like. Melaena is black, tacky, and often unusually strong-smelling; it can mean bleeding in the stomach or upper intestine. Gastritis, a peptic ulcer, or Helicobacter pylori-related irritation are possible sources. Postpartum bleeding from the vagina is separate from stool, so check where the blood is coming from rather than assuming the two are connected.

Check your discharge medicines and note the timing, texture, and number of dark stools. Continue prescribed iron unless your maternity clinician tells you otherwise. Contact your maternity unit, midwife, or doctor promptly if stool is tarry, keeps recurring, or appears alongside upper abdominal pain, dizziness, or unusual weakness. Keep drinking as advised and take your medicine list to the assessment.

Call emergency services for fainting, confusion, severe weakness, breathlessness, a racing heartbeat, vomiting blood, repeated tarry stools, or severe abdominal pain. Also seek urgent postpartum help for heavy vaginal bleeding, large clots, fever, or feeling suddenly very unwell. Do not drive if dizzy or faint.

Ask whether iron explains the colour, how to distinguish stool from vaginal bleeding, whether blood tests are needed, and which postpartum symptoms require immediate attendance. Tell them about delivery complications, painkillers, and any history of ulcers.