C-section and Postpartum Bleeding

M.,
the same thing happened to me after my c-section for my twin girls, I was also told I would bleed for like 6 weeks, it was just around 3 weeks for me, don't worry it is a good thing, I had friends who bled heavily for weeks and weeks!

I think you're within the normal range. If you're breastfeeding, that may be why you stopped a little early. Congratulations! Enjoy these precious weeks with him while he is little. He'll be off to school before you know it!

A.

That's normal. They just give you the worst case scenario so you won't panic if it goes longer. With the first two c's I bled for about two weeks or so, but this last one I barely bled at all from day one. I think the doctor really cleaned up the uterus before she stitched me up....I know I was more sore for a few days than with the first two, but it was great not being a mess for two weeks.

PS. I noticed one mom recommended that you consider a VBAC or another c-section if you have more kids because of the health you and the baby. I seriously have to disagree with her. Though I've had 3 c's I wanted to have a normal delivery. There are risks to c's

1.) It is major surgery unlike a normal delivery in which typically they only cut you get is an episiotomy.

2.) It takes longer to recover.

3.) Your baby does not endure contractions and delivery through the birth canal so they have to be suctioned extensively to clear their lungs and then watched carefully for signs of infection in their lungs.

4.) I think it takes longer for you milk to come in if you are going to nurse because you don't go through labor to signal to your body that you are having a baby.

There are advantages to c's...like less mess, a scheduled birth at a decent hour, convenience for the doctor who doesn't have to rush in at all hours, little or no pain for mommy in having a baby, but it being safer or healthier for you and your baby is definitely NOT part of a c-section.

Now I'm not a doctor so I would discuss that with your doctor, but I really, really think the other mommy is dead wrong on her assumptions. I would strongly recommend a normal child birth if you can do that the second time around. I've had three c's because my doctor insisted and almost wanted to send me to another practice if I insisted on a vaginal birth...I would do so many things all over again...and I would try a normal birth even now if I could get away with it and the doctor thought it was safe. I would in a heart beat.

I also had a c-section and had some minor bleeding for a couple of weeks and then it went away. I think that as long as you are feeling well, it is probably fine. However, you should have a follow-up appt with your ob/gyn coming up soon (typically 5-6 weeks after your baby is born). The purpose of this visit is to make sure that your body is healing properly.

I do not think I bled for 6 weeks. I think that is normal. I think it can be normal to bleed for that long so it is just a standard that they say.

Sounds perfectly normal to me. I think both with my c-section and my vaginal birth I was basically done bleeding after 2-3 weeks, with just some spotting for a short while longer. Congratulations on your new baby! FYI, if you decide to have another child in the future, definitely consider a VBAC vs. another c-section. There are many reasons to do so including your health and your baby's health.

after my C sections I only bled a week to 10 days. My doctor said that he "cleaned you out" really good while doing a C section and that is why you don't bleed as much. They basically suction that stuff out for you. So, don't worry, totally normal if your doctor is good.

Hi M.

If your Dr. is not concerned not put too much thought into it. I did not have much bleeding after the first 3-4 weeks after my c-section, everyone is different. If your feeling good, I would just sit back and enjoy my son as much as I could. It goes by so very quickly.
Congradulations!!!!
V.

Ask your doctor what he/she thinks, but when I had my c-section even from the beginning I hardly had any bleeding at all, my doc said they took almost everything out during the delivery and that it was okay.

I think the 6 weeks is just a generalization. Every person is different. I only bled for 2-3 weeks. I did not have a csection...but I think its same for both. Congrats on your little bundle of joy!

I did not have a C-section, I did have vaginal with an episiotomy, I bled for only about two weeks, I think they tell you to expect to bleed up to 6 weeks. I wouldn't be too concerned. You should get your first cycle sometime soon too.

I only had bleeding for the first few days. Sounds like you are just healing well! Congratulations on your new little one.

I seem to remember going through something like this, but you know it is all a blur after a year or so.

I think I stopped and started bleeding several times. Of course you should call your OB with any questions, but I think I remember this happening to me after my second baby was born.

Congratulations on your new baby!! :) I had 3 c-sections, with each the average was about 3-4 weeks for me with the bleeding. It seemed the more active I tried to be the longer it lasted, so rest as much as you can! It did take me quite awhile until I had a normal period again as well, which was perfectly fine with me.

Your doctor should have told you that you MAY bleed for six weeks or so. Everyone is different, some women bleed lightly for a few days, others more heavily and some for many weeks. C-section or vaginal delivery does not affect the amount of bleeding. Hope you're healing well and feeling better soon.

Just 3 weeks for me, too!

I had a c-section with my 1st and had bleeding for about 2- 21/2 weeks and was done. I wouldn't be concerned as everybody is different. If you suddenly start bleeding again I think I would call the doctor. Good Luck & enjoy your new little guy!
LK

Like your dr. told you...he gave you an average, meaning some women 4 weeks, some 8 weeks. Don't be nervous or don't look for complications. If something were wrong you'de be cramping or in pain etc.

I had a C-section April 7th, which was my 2nd. I had the same bleeding pattern both times. I had bleeding 3wks straight, then none for 2wks. By the 5th wk, I got my regular menstrual period which lasted about a week, & that was it. So i'll say you have nothing to worry about. Hope this helps.

I had bleeding for about 3-4 weeks, the last week being pretty light, and that was it :)

My first c-section I bled heavily for about three weeks and light spotting for a while (can't remember exactly as it was 16 yrs ago)! With my second it was more like a regular period. You're probably just ahead of the curve - be thankful!!

Yeah everything is fine. I bled for about 2 weeks then spotted for a week or so and then it stopped. You may still get some spotting (especially if your not breastfeeding). But it's normal.

Hi M.!

Congratulations on your new baby! I think I was done bleeding by 4 weeks, and after the first week it was very light spotting anyway. You're fine!

you're just recovering faster than normal!

After my c-section I bled for about 5 weeks. It was about the same with my 2 babies that followed via VBAC. I don't think it had to do with how you deliver, just your body.

Good luck, get some sleep and congratulations on your new angel.