Heavy bleeding during periods after delivery

Periods may be different after childbirth while hormones and ovulation settle, particularly after breastfeeding. A first period can feel heavier than before, but a sudden flood, large clots, severe pain, or feeling unwell should not be dismissed as a normal postpartum change. Also distinguish a returning period from bleeding that starts soon after birth.

Bleeding soon after delivery can be postpartum haemorrhage or another postpartum complication rather than menstruation. Later heavy periods may relate to hormonal adjustment, an underlying uterine problem, or changes after a birth injury. If there was tearing or an episiotomy, [Perineal Repair](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/perineal-repair/) may be relevant to symptoms around the vaginal opening, but it does not explain every cause of heavy uterine bleeding.

Contact your midwife, maternity team, GP, or gynaecology service if the bleeding is heavier than expected or repeats across cycles. Record when it began, how quickly pads fill, clots, pain, fever, and whether breastfeeding or contraception has changed. Use pads while the amount is being assessed, and mention any pregnancy possibility or recent procedure.

Seek emergency help for rapidly increasing bleeding, faintness, racing heartbeat, marked weakness, breathlessness, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, fever, confusion, or collapse. Bleeding with foul-smelling discharge or feeling suddenly very ill also needs urgent assessment, especially in the postpartum period.

Ask whether this is likely to be a period or postpartum bleeding, whether blood tests or an ultrasound are needed, how breastfeeding or contraception may affect the pattern, and which symptoms require emergency care.