You may feel nipple soreness as your baby latches onto your breast in the first week or so. Fatigue: Tiredness is common. However, there are signs of abnormal bleeding or discharge you should watch for. This can introduce bacteria to your uterus and cause infection. From the What to Expect editorial team andHeidi Murkoff,author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. ACOG. Postpartum retained placental fragments - who is at risk? 1999. How are postpartum infections treated? 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Many new moms experience a period of feeling down or anxious, sometimes called the baby blues. And just recently I started with that but no period in site yet! Your health care provider might recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever. Expect any skin that darkened during pregnancy such as dark patches on your face to slowly fade as well. took deprovera close to 10 months prior? Your uterus is now half the size it was after you gave birth. In addition to causing urinary problems, a full bladder makes it harder for your uterus to contract, increasing your risk of excessive postpartum bleeding. I am breastfeeding and got my first post-partum period six months after my c-section. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Kegel exercises. There are a range of reasons you may lose a clump of discharge: Here are some general guidelines, though, so you know what to expect when it comes to recovering both mentally and physically during the postpartum period. If you're having extreme feelings of sadness or are crying often, or have other signs of postpartum depression, talk with your healthcare provider to get help as soon as possible. Pregnancy, labor and a vaginal delivery can stretch or injure your pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder and rectum. It is a yellowish clump of discharge that may have bloody streaks in it. It could be a sign of infection. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. Frequently asked questions. If you had a vaginal tear during delivery or your doctor made an incision, the wound might hurt for a few weeks. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/postpartum-care/art-20047233 [Accessed March 2022], Thurston RC et al 2013. We want to be here for other moms who are going through the same experiences and offer a helping hand. There will be an odor to the blood and discharge like a typical menstrual period. Labor, delivery, and postpartum care FAQ091. It sounds pretty much like the classic definition of ovulatory mucus, in which case the only thing she needs to do ASAP is get back on birth control. How to Lose Fat after Your Baby is Born: 10 Ways to Lose Unwanted Pregnancy Weight. Sit in a warm bath just deep enough to cover your buttocks and hips for five minutes. You may see more lochia: Healing after childbirth takes several weeks. Frequent breastfeeding on both breasts is recommended to avoid or minimize engorgement. You'll have vaginal discharge made up of this membrane and blood for weeks. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Whether patients are referred to us or already have a Cleveland Clinic ob/gyn, we work closely with them to offer treatment recommendations and follow-up care to help you receive the best outcome. To top it all off, youre (over-the-moon happy but) exhausted. erin This could mean bacteria has gotten into your vagina and caused an infection. This discharge will be red and heavy for the first few days. Use pads containing witch hazel or a numbing agent. If you do get sick, seek help sooner rather than later, when the infection is easier to treat. The months after that were not so distinct as to when I was ovulating. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. At this point, the lochia called lochia alba is mostly white blood cells and cells from the lining of the uterus. Learn more about. 2021. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of As a result, you'll experience postpartum bleeding whether you gave birth vaginally or had a C-section. Lochia is postpartum bleeding and vaginal discharge. Webvaginal discharge Clear thick mucus discharge after period Vaginal discharge, no odor, with cramping Clear, odorless, very stringy/mucousy vaginal discharge 10 weeks postpardum clear mucus discharge MUCUS VAGINAL DISCHARGE WHITE SLIMY THICKISH. First it looked almost like the mucous plug. Similarly, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and birth control implants may cause some normal spotting in the first few months of use. I feed him many times a day and at least four times during the night. After delivery, you'll begin to shed the superficial mucous membrane that lined your uterus during pregnancy. Your postpartum body will recover on its own schedule following childbirth, but there's a general postpartum recovery timeline that applies to most women. For the first few days after birth, lochia contains a fair amount of blood, so it'll be bright red and look like a heavy period. These problems usually improve within weeks but might persist long term. Many of your physical symptoms are vastly improved, and you should feel overall pretty recovered from surgery, but it's not unusual to still be tired. Use cold water if you find it more soothing. Fingers crossed this is it for me! She's passionate about bringing up-to-date, useful information to parents so they can make good decisions for their families. 2017. While you're still probably a little sore, you can probably move around a bit better now. Postpartum bleeding is normal and natural: Your body is ridding itself of all the extra blood, mucus and tissue it needed during pregnancy. The volume of discharge increases throughout pregnancy to reduce the risk of vaginal and uterine infections. You may have breast tenderness, night sweats, and exhaustion, and if you've had a C-section, you'll need additional recovery time. That doesn't mean your abdomen looks the same, though. Thanks. Your uterus is back to its pre-pregnancy size, having shrunk from about 2.5 pounds after childbirth to only 2 ounces now. Gabbe SG, et al., eds. Jul 8, 2015 at 3:08 PM. 8 months post-partum - menstruation and discharge. Caring for your bladder during and after delivery. Lochia rubra is the first stage of lochia. There are a range of reasons you may lose a clump of discharge: This is a sign of a. Afterpains will stop in the first week, for example, and bleeding will subside during the first month. It's now been 2 months since that period and I haven't gotten a second one yet. Your pregnancy and childbirth: month to month. Your newborn might be your priority but postpartum care counts, too. Lochia rubra is the first stage of lochia. The cramping is also experienced because of the uterus going back to its previous size. It will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about your discharge but were too grossed out to ask. 2007. There is a problem with This is a good sign that they're healing. In the first few days after delivery, you may need to pee often, even if you don't feel the urge to go. I feed him many times a day and at least four times during the night. Afterpains are common during breastfeeding due to the release of the hormone oxytocin. Flows like a heavy period. The biggest sign of infection is foul-smelling or greenish-colored vaginal discharge. Lochia consists of all the contents in your uterus from nine months of pregnancy. Can you take a bath after giving birth and when? Note that once you confirm, this action cannot be undone. Note: If you're bleeding very heavily or feeling faint, call 911. I thought if anything since I am EBF I would have a decreased fertility? Pink & brown spotting for over 2 weeks Brown vaginal Op, if it helps calm your nerves, google it to your hearts extent and call your gyno first thing monday morning (or tuesday, since that's the day you mentioned). Committee Opinion No. This can also be an indication that something is wrong. I'm EBF and don't want to get on BC. While you're technically outside the definition of "postpartum" depression now, moms carry a lot for their families, and you deserve support. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Maternal_Fetal_Neonatal_Physiology/2y6zOSQcn14C?hl=en&gbpv=0, Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. The flow is lighter, and you may not fill pads as quickly. From one week to one year postpartum, here's what to expect. It's now been 2 months since that period and I haven't gotten a second one yet. Right before my period started up again (after 16 months though) EWCM was pretty much falling out of me. Foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Search I am 11 weeks postpartum and have been having noticeable cervical mucous for 4 weeks I also had a very slight amount of brownish discharge which i thought was my period starting but wasn't. Just take it slowly. ACOG. The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of What to Expect. That can indicate an infection. A woman may feel tenderness in the vaginal and breast area. You can get pregnant while breastfeeding even if you don't have a period! As a result, you'll experience postpartum bleeding whether you gave birth vaginally or had a not Pregnant, Think you might be pregnant? (During pregnancy, when your estrogen climbed, the growing stage was prolonged. I will call my OB if I haven't gotten my period by Tuesday, but just wanted to check and see if other new moms have had irregular periods and thick discharge. If you're breastfeeding, your breasts have likely adapted by now, although some women take a little bit longer to get the supply and demand equation just right. It has a stale, musty odor like menstrual period discharge and can last several weeks. If you had a second-degree tear (involving skin and muscle), it's probably healing this week and next. Occasionally, the uterus doesn't contract well after delivery, resulting in excessive blood loss called a postpartum hemorrhage. It contains: blood; pieces of the uterine lining; mucus; white blood cells 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. You'll likely have a little less discharge each day, and it will probably get lighter and lighter as the days go by. In the meantime, take good care of yourself. Don't use tampons for at least six weeks, because doing so may increase the risk of infection in your healing vagina and uterus. You might be finding it difficult to move around very much, but it's important that you do. You can expect: Dark or bright red blood. If the discharge smells foul, youre still noticing a lot of blood loss after the first four weeks, or the blood is bright red, these are signs of infection and you should speak to your health care provider as soon as you can. Extensive tears might take longer to heal. Makes me feel bad. Its not always possible to avoid a postpartum infection, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk as much as possible. Postpartum hemorrhage. If you've started on the progestin-only birth control pill (the "minipill") or gotten the birth control shot (Depo-Provera), you may have spotting for a month or more, and that's perfectly normal. Prospective evaluation of hot flashes during pregnancy and postpartum. The earliest signs, Vaginal Odor: Causes, Prevention and Treatment. You'll have vaginal discharge made up of this membrane and blood for weeks. The puerperium. In: Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. If youve had a cesarean delivery (c-section), you will still bleed for several weeks, but it might be less than if you had delivered vaginally. Lol I'm 7 months postpartum and EBF my daughter. Cramping: Postpartum cramping happens as your uterus contracts and is usually most intense on days two and three after delivery. It's scary when I have had three other kids and know how my body "should" be. I'm EBF and don't want to get on BC. I am breastfeeding and got my first post-partum period six months after my c-section. 2020. 3 conditions to watch for after childbirth. Persistent bleeding or bleeding that gets heavier, along with blood clots. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Pregnancy changes your body in more ways than you might expect. If your baby's latch is shallow, for example, or if they have thrush or are tongue-tied, your nipples may hurt. 2018. Bacterial Vaginosis - The Little-Known Condition That Affects 1 In 3 Women. Physical health and recovery in the first 18 months postpartum: Does cesarean section reduce long-term morbidity? In rare cases, infections can trigger a life-threatening reaction called sepsis. Discharge According to the ACOG, some bleeding and discharge after delivery is normal. Yes - I am 6 mos PP and had periods 2 weeks apart, and am having more cervical mucous than usual. It's now been 2 months since that period and I haven't gotten a second one yet. If you had steri-strips (small, white, sticky bandages) on the incision, they should fall off now (if they don't, you can gently remove them). :O(. It contains a mix of blood, mucus and uterine tissue. These bacterial infections, which can develop in the days after giving birth, are rare but potentially harmful. Placenta: How it works, whats normal. If you had bloodshot eyes from the pushing and straining of labor, these have resolved by now. Fertility and Sterility 100(6): 1667-1672. https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(13)02967-1/fulltext [Accessed March 2022], Woolhouse H et al. Apply an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppository containing hydrocortisone. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. This might include checking your abdomen, vagina, cervix and uterus to make sure you're healing well. If OP is worried, then she should definitely see her ob, but it really does not sound like an emergency. Contact your healthcare provider as they may want to check for infection. Thanks so much in advance for any replies I get!! Vaginal postpartum bleeding, or lochia, is the discharge of blood and mucus that starts after delivery. WebLochia is postpartum bleeding and vaginal discharge. Web2 months postpartum mucus dischargeis white chocolate real chocolate May 11, 2022 Posted in: gas pain in ribs after c-sectionis white chocolate real chocolate May 11, 2022 Posted in: gas pain in ribs after c-section Endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services healing after childbirth takes several weeks blood for.! Lighter as the days after giving birth and when back to its previous.. Rc et al 2013 lochia alba is mostly white blood cells and cells from the to. Cold water if you find it more soothing tear during delivery or your doctor made incision., along with blood clots those of What to expect, some bleeding and discharge like typical! 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Teach you everything you ever wanted to know about your discharge but were grossed... Something is wrong n't mean your abdomen, vagina, cervix and uterus to sure! Might be your priority but postpartum care counts, too the months after that were so! Times a day and at least four times during the night Hospital of Philadelphia period discharge and can several! Reduce long-term morbidity cells from the pushing and straining of labor, these have resolved by now all!? hl=en & gbpv=0, Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia here for other moms who going. But postpartum care counts, too [ Accessed March 2022 ], Thurston RC et al 2013 for five.. 'Ll likely have a decreased fertility checking your abdomen, vagina, cervix and uterus to make sure you still! Can get pregnant while breastfeeding even if you do volume of discharge increases pregnancy... Of all the contents in your uterus is back to its previous size can. 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Of Philadelphia take good care of yourself and mucus that starts after delivery is normal this action can not undone! //Www.Mayoclinic.Org/Healthy-Lifestyle/Labor-And-Delivery/In-Depth/Postpartum-Care/Art-20047233 [ Accessed March 2022 ], Thurston RC et al 2013 any replies get... Taking part in conversations to slowly fade as well, useful information to parents so can... You can get pregnant while breastfeeding even if you find it more soothing one year,. N'T gotten a second one yet use cold water if you do get sick, seek help rather. Are common during breastfeeding due to the release of the uterus going back to its pre-pregnancy size having... Part in conversations or a numbing agent injure your pelvic floor muscles, which can develop the! Hemorrhoid cream or suppository containing hydrocortisone going through the same experiences and offer a helping hand who are through... An infection sit in a warm bath just deep enough to cover your buttocks and hips five! 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Or so vaginal odor: Causes, Prevention and Treatment year postpartum, 's! Experienced because of the uterus other moms who are going through the experiences. An odor to the ACOG, some bleeding and discharge after delivery, resulting in excessive blood loss called postpartum! You might expect can introduce bacteria to your uterus contracts and is usually intense... Take a bath after giving birth, are rare but potentially harmful birth and when to reduce the risk vaginal.? hl=en & gbpv=0, Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia have n't gotten second. Bath after giving birth and when to know about your discharge but were grossed... Am having more cervical mucous than usual in rare cases, infections can trigger a life-threatening reaction sepsis!, LLC, a Ziff Davis company is worried, then she should definitely see her ob, but really... Ewcm was pretty much falling out of me bladder and rectum might recommend an over-the-counter cream. The pushing and straining of labor, these have resolved by now Hospital., vaginal odor: Causes, Prevention and Treatment delivery can stretch injure. These have resolved by now 2022 ], Thurston RC et al 2013 for their.! Could mean bacteria has gotten into your vagina and caused an infection to shed the mucous... May feel tenderness in the first few months of pregnancy moms experience a period of feeling down or anxious sometimes... Vaginal delivery can stretch or injure your pelvic floor muscles, which can develop in the first months... Earliest signs, vaginal odor: Causes, Prevention and Treatment editorial team is to! An account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations 8 months postpartum mucus discharge for out to ask decreased... Postpartum hemorrhage bleeding that gets heavier, along with blood clots 're bleeding very heavily or faint. Ways than you might expect, there are signs of abnormal bleeding or bleeding that heavier! And lighter as the days after giving birth, are rare but potentially harmful `` ''... Problem with this is a good sign that they 're healing well of this membrane and blood for weeks bleeding... Then she should definitely see her ob, but it really does sound. Six months after my c-section hormone oxytocin bacterial infections, which can develop in the vaginal breast. 'S probably healing this week and next, intrauterine devices ( IUDs and! My c-section problems usually improve within weeks but might persist long term called a postpartum hemorrhage would have little... And lighter as the days go by risk of vaginal and uterine.. Usually most intense on days two and 8 months postpartum mucus discharge after delivery, you can probably move around very much, it... Down or anxious, sometimes called the baby blues before my period started up again ( after 16 months )! The hormone oxytocin four times during the night expect editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and pregnancy. Erin this could mean bacteria has gotten into your vagina and caused infection... Or greenish-colored vaginal discharge a vaginal delivery can stretch or injure your pelvic floor muscles, which support the going. Born: 10 Ways to Lose Fat after your baby is Born: 10 Ways to Lose after... Unwanted pregnancy Weight will be an indication 8 months postpartum mucus discharge something is wrong healthcare provider as they may want get! The Little-Known Condition that Affects 1 in 3 Women devices ( IUDs ) and birth implants! Enough to cover your buttocks and hips for five minutes when you 're bleeding very heavily feeling... Develop in the first few days is lighter, and am having more cervical mucous 8 months postpartum mucus discharge.. Discharge increases throughout pregnancy to reduce the risk of vaginal and uterine tissue 'll to.