What does heavy bleeding after birth feel like with endometritis?

After birth, bleeding normally changes as the body heals. With endometritis, bleeding may become heavier again, remain unusually heavy, or be accompanied by clots, lower abdominal tenderness and worsening cramps. The discharge may smell unpleasant, and you may feel feverish, shivery, weak or generally unwell.

Most people with Endometritis notice heavy bleeding after birth, but heavy postpartum bleeding has several possible causes. The pattern cannot confirm the cause at home. A clinician may assess your uterus, temperature, pulse and blood pressure, and may recommend tests and antibiotics.

Contact your maternity team or postpartum service promptly if bleeding is getting heavier, has an unusual smell, or occurs with pelvic pain or fever. Tell them when you gave birth, whether you had a caesarean or vaginal birth, how quickly pads are becoming soaked, and whether you feel dizzy or faint.

Use pads so you can observe the amount and appearance of blood. Rest, drink fluids if you can, and take only medicines advised for you. Do not delay assessment while trying to manage a possible infection at home. Read more about [Heavy Bleeding After Birth](/symptoms/heavy-bleeding-after-birth/).

Seek urgent medical help for rapidly increasing bleeding, large clots, faintness, confusion, a racing heartbeat, severe abdominal pain, high fever or difficulty breathing. Call emergency services if you collapse or cannot stay awake. Postpartum bleeding with infection symptoms can worsen quickly and needs direct assessment.

Could an infection be causing these changes? Do I need an examination, blood tests or antibiotics? What amount of bleeding should prompt emergency help? When should I expect bleeding to become lighter?