When to worry about heavy bleeding after birth with endometritis

Endometritis is inflammation or infection of the uterine lining after birth. It may occur with increasing pelvic or lower-abdominal pain, uterine tenderness, fever, chills, unpleasant-smelling discharge, or feeling generally unwell. Bleeding can be heavier than expected or become heavier again after it had started to ease. Other causes of postpartum bleeding are possible, so the pattern needs clinical assessment.

Call your maternity unit, obstetric clinician or urgent-care service when bleeding is increasing, clots are recurring, or you have fever or pelvic pain. Note how quickly pads are becoming soaked, the colour and smell of discharge, your temperature, and any dizziness. Keep someone with you if you feel weak, and do not drive if faint.

Use emergency services for bleeding that is rapidly soaking pads, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, racing heartbeat, trouble breathing, severe abdominal pain, or collapse. Fever with worsening bleeding or foul-smelling discharge also warrants same-day medical review because infection and blood loss can need treatment together.

Ask whether you need an examination, blood tests or an ultrasound, whether antibiotics are needed, and how to monitor bleeding at home. Clarify which changes mean you should return immediately.