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Bleeding in the postpartum period, whose technical name is locus, is normal and lasts an average of 5 weeks, being characterized by the outflow of dark red blood with a thick consistency and that sometimes presents blood clots.
This bleeding is composed of blood, mucus and remains of tissue from the uterus and as the uterus contracts and returns to normal size, the amount of blood that is lost is decreasing and its color becomes increasingly clear until it disappears completely.
At this stage it is important that the woman is at rest, avoid making any effort and observe the amount of blood that is lost, in addition to the color and presence of clots. It is also recommended that women use nighttime tampons and avoid using OB type tampons, as they can carry bacteria into the uterus and thus cause infections.
Warning signs
Locus is considered a normal situation after childbirth, however it is important that the woman is attentive to the characteristics of this bleeding over time, as it can be a sign of complications that should be investigated and treated according to the gynecologist's guidance. Some warning signs for the woman to call the doctor or go to the hospital are:
- Having to change absorbent every hour;
- Observe that the blood that was already becoming lighter, turn bright red again;
- If there is an increase in blood loss after the 2nd week;
- Identification of large blood clots, larger than a ping-pong ball;
- If the blood smells really bad;
- If you have a fever or a lot of abdominal pain.
If any of these signs develop, it is important to contact the doctor, as it may be a sign of postpartum infection or bacterial vaginosis, being caused mainly by the bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis. In addition, these signs can also be indicative of the presence of a placenta or be a sign that the uterus is not returning to its normal size, which can be resolved with the use of medications or with a curettage.
Postpartum care
After delivery it is recommended that the woman stay at rest, eat a healthy and balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids. In addition, it is recommended that you use nighttime pads and observe the features of the locus over the weeks. It is also recommended that women avoid the use of tampons, because this type of tampon can increase the risk of infection, which can result in complications.
In the event of the presence of warning signs, depending on the change, the doctor may indicate that a curettage is performed, which is a simple procedure, performed under general anesthesia and which aims to remove uterine or placental remains. Understand what curettage is and how it is done.
Before curettage, the doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics 3 to 5 days before the procedure to reduce the risk of complications. Therefore, if the woman is already breastfeeding, it is important to consult the doctor to find out if she can continue breastfeeding while taking medication to prepare for the surgical procedure, since some drugs are contraindicated during this period.
If it is not possible to breastfeed, the woman can express the milk with her hands or with a breast pump to express milk, which must then be stored in the freezer. Whenever it is time for the baby to breastfeed, the woman or someone else can defrost the milk and give the baby in a cup or a bottle that has a nipple similar to the breast so as not to harm the return to the breast. See how to express breast milk.
How is menstruation after childbirth
Menstruation after childbirth usually returns to normal when breastfeeding is no longer exclusive. Thus, if the baby suckles exclusively on the breast or if he drinks only small amounts of artificial milk to supplement breastfeeding, the woman should not menstruate. In these cases, menstruation should return when the woman starts to produce less milk, because the baby starts to breastfeed less and starts to take sweets and baby food.
However, when the woman does not breastfeed, her menstruation may come earlier, already in the baby's second month and in case of doubt, one should speak to the baby's gynecologist or pediatrician, in routine consultations.