How common is heavy bleeding after birth in endometritis?

After birth, the uterus normally tightens and the placental attachment site gradually heals. Endometritis can interfere with this recovery, leaving the uterus painful or less firm and causing bleeding to remain heavy or become heavier after it had started to settle.

Infection may also bring fever, chills, lower abdominal tenderness, feeling unwell or vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell. Heavy bleeding after birth has other possible causes, so this symptom does not by itself show that endometritis is present.

Call your maternity unit, obstetrician or urgent care service for advice as soon as heavy bleeding is more than expected, returns after easing, or comes with pain or fever. Describe how quickly pads are becoming soaked, whether you are passing clots, and when the bleeding changed.

A clinician may examine your abdomen and pelvis, check your temperature and pulse, and assess whether the uterus is contracting. Treatment for suspected endometritis commonly involves prescribed antibiotics; additional care depends on the examination and the bleeding source. Do not delay assessment while waiting for the bleeding to settle.

Seek emergency help for bleeding that is rapidly increasing, dizziness, fainting, marked weakness, racing heartbeat, severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing or confusion. Fever with worsening pelvic pain or foul-smelling discharge also needs prompt review. Keep someone with you if you feel faint, and take the maternity discharge information or medicines list if you go for care.

Could infection be affecting my uterine recovery? Do I need an examination, blood tests or an ultrasound? Which bleeding pattern should prompt emergency care, and how should I take any prescribed antibiotics?