Does endometritis cause heavy bleeding after birth?

Endometritis is infection and inflammation in the uterine lining after delivery. It may cause bleeding that becomes heavier, remains bright red, or has an unpleasant smell, often alongside fever, chills, pelvic tenderness, or feeling unwell.

Bleeding after birth normally changes over time, but heavy or suddenly increasing flow can also relate to retained placental tissue, poor uterine contraction, a tear, or another postpartum problem. The bleeding pattern cannot identify the cause by itself.

Contact your maternity unit or obstetric clinician promptly about heavy bleeding, particularly if it is increasing or accompanied by fever, pelvic pain, dizziness, or foul-smelling discharge. A clinician may examine you, check your vital signs, and arrange tests or imaging.

If infection is confirmed, antibiotics are commonly used. Other treatment depends on the source and severity of bleeding. Keep track of changes in flow and tell the clinician about medicines, allergies, and your delivery history.

Call emergency services for soaking through pads rapidly, passing large clots with ongoing heavy flow, fainting, severe weakness, confusion, shortness of breath, or severe abdominal pain. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or unstable.

Ask whether infection, retained tissue, a tear, or uterine contraction could explain the bleeding; which examinations or tests are needed; and what changes should trigger emergency care. Ask how treatment affects breastfeeding if that applies.