Can postpartum haemorrhage cause heavy bleeding after birth?

Some bleeding after delivery is expected as the womb sheds tissue and blood. It should gradually reduce and change in colour over time. Postpartum haemorrhage is excessive bleeding after birth; it can happen soon after delivery or later in the postpartum period. Causes include the womb not tightening well, retained placental tissue, tears in the birth canal, or problems with blood clotting.

The amount, speed, colour, clots, dizziness, pulse, blood pressure, and examination findings help the maternity team judge what is happening. Heavy bleeding can become dangerous quickly because blood loss may cause weakness, faintness, breathlessness, or shock.

If bleeding is heavy or suddenly increasing, call your maternity unit or emergency services immediately. Lie down while waiting, keep someone with you, and use a maternity pad so the bleeding can be observed. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint. Tell the team when the bleeding began, whether you passed clots, and whether you have pain, fever, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Treatment depends on the cause and may include medicines, examination, fluids, or procedures.

Get emergency help for soaking pads rapidly, repeated large clots, faintness, confusion, a racing heartbeat, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, severe abdominal pain, or feeling cold and clammy. Also seek prompt review for bleeding that becomes heavier after it had been settling, especially with fever, worsening pelvic pain, or unpleasant-smelling discharge. These warning signs need assessment even if the birth was several days ago.

What amount of bleeding is expected for me? Which changes should trigger an emergency call? Could retained tissue, a tear, infection, or poor womb contraction explain my bleeding? What follow-up do I need after treatment?