Bleeding after birth: what’s normal and when to get help

Bleeding after birth is normal, and it can go on for weeks. Here’s how long it usually lasts, the signs the NHS says to look out for, and who to call.

What’s normal

Whether you had a vaginal birth or a caesarean, you will have bleeding afterwards, called lochia. The NHS says it usually stops after 6 to 8 weeks but can last longer. If you’re worried, speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor.

If you had a caesarean, the NHS says to use period pads, not tampons, and to get advice if bleeding is heavy.

When to get advice

The NHS says to contact your GP, midwife or health visitor if you have:

a temperature over 38C
bleeding that smells unusual
worsening tummy pain
bleeding that gets heavier or doesn’t ease
blood clots
worsening pain between your vagina and anus

The NHS says these could signal an infection. Dearbump advice: if you can’t get through to your midwife or GP, call NHS 111.

When to call 999

Call 999 if the bleeding is sudden and very heavy, or if you feel faint, dizzy or your heart is pounding. The NHS says this could be a postpartum haemorrhage, which needs emergency treatment.

The NHS doesn’t give a number, so if you are soaking pads quickly or passing large clots, call your midwife or GP straight away. If it is sudden and very heavy, call 999.

Your 6 to 8 week check

At your postnatal check, you’ll be asked whether you still have any vaginal discharge and whether you’ve had a period since the birth. See recovering after birth.

Questions people ask

How long can bleeding last?

The NHS says bleeding usually stops after 6 to 8 weeks but can last longer. Speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor if you’re worried, or if it gets heavier, doesn’t ease, or you pass clots.

Is a bit of smell normal?

The NHS lists bleeding that smells unusual as a reason to get in touch, because it could signal an infection.

Can I use tampons?

The NHS only says to use pads, not tampons, after a caesarean, to reduce the risk of spreading infection into the vagina. It doesn’t give separate advice for a vaginal birth, so ask your midwife or GP what they recommend.