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What causes heavy bleeding after birth?

Where Heavy Bleeding After Birth is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline
Illustration: Where Heavy Bleeding After Birth is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline

Short answer

Heavy bleeding after birth can be caused by a uterus that is not contracting, retained placenta, tears, clots or infection.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Normal mechanism
The uterus tightens after placental separation
Possible causes
Uterine bleeding, retained tissue, tears or infection
Urgent signs
Faintness, breathlessness or rapidly worsening bleeding

Why bleeding can become heavy

After the placenta separates, the uterus normally tightens to close the blood vessels where it was attached. If it stays soft or does not contract well, bleeding can continue. Placental tissue or clots left inside the uterus can also prevent effective contraction.

A tear in the cervix, vagina or perineum may bleed even when the uterus feels firm. Infection of the uterine lining can cause fever, worsening pelvic pain or unpleasant-smelling discharge and may increase bleeding. Heavy bleeding can happen soon after birth or after bleeding had started to settle.

What to do next

Tell a midwife, maternity unit or doctor immediately if bleeding is heavier than expected, suddenly increases, or you feel unwell. Keep track of whether blood is soaking pads quickly, whether clots are appearing, and whether you have pain, fever or dizziness.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include medicine to help the uterus contract, removal of retained tissue, repair of a tear, antibiotics or hospital monitoring. Read about [Postpartum Haemorrhage](/conditions/postpartum-haemorrhage/), [Retained Placenta](/conditions/retained-placenta/), [Perineal Tear](/conditions/perineal-tear/) and [Endometritis](/conditions/endometritis/).

When to seek emergency care

Call emergency services for heavy or rapidly worsening bleeding, fainting, severe dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion, a racing heartbeat or severe abdominal pain. Lie down while waiting for help if you feel faint, and do not drive yourself.

Questions for your doctor

Ask what is causing the bleeding, whether the placenta and uterus have been checked, whether a tear or infection is present, and what treatment is being offered. Ask which changes after discharge should trigger an urgent return.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can retained placenta cause heavy bleeding?

Yes. Placental tissue left in the uterus can stop it contracting effectively and lead to heavy bleeding.

Can bleeding become heavy after it was settling?

Yes. A sudden increase after bleeding had begun to reduce needs prompt assessment, especially with pain, fever or feeling faint.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.