Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
Postpartum Clot Size: What’s Too Big?
Postpartum bleeding (lochia) is common and often includes passing smallerblood clotsthat may have formed in the uterus.
They can determine whether it’s a sign of something more serious.
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
How Much Postpartum Clotting Is Normal?
Be sure to change them regularly.
Wash your hands before and after to keep the area clean while your body heals.
Risks of PPH include:
Cases of PPH usually happen within the first 24 hours after giving birth.
But this condition can also develop days or weeks after delivery.
Attending postpartum checkups will ensure that your postpartum care team can assist or provide referrals for necessary follow-up care.
When Do Postpartum Blood Clots Stop?
Around six weeks, bleeding and blood clots should typically have resolved or stopped.
At this time, it’s also possible that your menstrual period may start to return.
Summary
After childbirth, it’s normal to experience several weeks of vaginal bleeding and blood clots.
This happens as blood and tissue are shed from the uterus while it contracts to normal post-pregnancy size.
Bleeding and blood clots no larger than a golf ball can develop over the first couple of weeks postpartum.
This may indicate a dangerous and sometimes deadly complication known as postpartum hemorrhage.
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