Is My Bleeding Too Much After Giving Birth?
I’m a 29-year-old woman who recently had my fourth cesarean section about four months ago. This last surgery was quite urgent, as my baby arrived five weeks prematurely. Prior to the delivery, I experienced severe abdominal pain, but unfortunately, my concerns were dismissed by the doctor, who suggested it was merely gas discomfort without conducting any tests or examinations. Days later, I returned to the hospital with ongoing severe pain and vaginal bleeding, only to find out that my water had broken a while back. I was diagnosed with a placental abruption and a uterine rupture and subsequently underwent a bilateral salpingectomy during the procedure. It’s also important to mention that I've struggled with anemia during my pregnancies. For instance, during my second pregnancy, I needed iron infusions for five weeks. In my third and fourth pregnancies, I managed my iron levels with SlowFe (45 mg) twice daily beginning at around 20 weeks. During my last cesarean, I needed three blood transfusions and a plasma transfusion during my recovery, followed by an additional unit of blood the next day. After these experiences, I got my first menstrual period at eight weeks postpartum, and it has been quite heavy for the first two days each month, accompanied by significant clotting, with some clots larger than a golf ball. Since then, my menstrual cycles have continued in a similar fashion, with two days of excessive bleeding and large clots. I find myself needing to change a heavy pad at least every two hours, including at night, to avoid leaking. This situation leaves me feeling increasingly weak and lightheaded. I'm wondering if this heavy bleeding is a typical outcome after childbirth that I've simply forgotten about, or if my previous complications during pregnancy and delivery could be contributing to these clots' frequency and size. While I understand that heavy periods can occur post-delivery, the quantity and dimensions of the clots are especially concerning to me.
Answers (1)
8/11/2025, 5:51:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about heavy bleeding and large clots after childbirth, especially given your recent complications and medical history. Let's address your concerns and outline the next steps.
Key Points
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and large clots can occur postpartum, especially after significant surgeries like cesarean sections.
- Your previous complications, such as uterine rupture and blood transfusions, may influence your current experiences.
- Feeling weak and lightheaded is concerning and should be addressed.
Explanation
After giving birth, it's common for women to experience changes in their menstrual cycles, including heavier periods. However, with your history of anemia and the recent complications, it's vital to take your symptoms seriously. Heavy bleeding with large clots, especially if you need to change pads every couple of hours, could indicate several issues related to your uterus, such as retained products of conception, hormonal imbalances, or other complications.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a record of your menstrual cycle over the next few months, noting the amount of bleeding, the size of clots, and any associated symptoms like pain or dizziness. This information is valuable.
-
Increase Iron Intake: Given your history of anemia, consider increasing your dietary iron intake with foods such as red meat, legumes, spinach, and iron-fortified cereals. If you feel very fatigued or weak, a conversation about iron supplements might be beneficial.
-
Stay Hydrated: Ensure you're drinking enough fluids, as staying hydrated can help manage feelings of lightheadedness and support overall well-being.
-
Evaluate Activity Levels: Pay attention to your physical activity; try to rest and avoid overexertion, particularly if you're feeling lightheaded.
-
Urgent Signs: If you experience severe pain, rapid dizziness, or any symptoms of fainting, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
-
Follow-up Care: While this does not directly replace professional medical advice, I strongly encourage you to discuss these symptoms with a healthcare provider who can assess your bleeding pattern and possibly recommend further testing or treatment options.
Your concerns are valid, and managing your health after such experiences is crucial. Taking these steps will help maintain your well-being and address the root of your symptoms effectively.
Related Questions
Increasing Pain in the Sternal Area
A 26-year-old female, standing 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds, is seeking insights into her health condition. **Current Medications:** birth control and Allegra. **Past Medical History:** includes irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome that required surgical intervention at ages 17 and 18, and minor kyphosis. For the past year, she has experienced considerable stiffness, along with clicking and popping sensations, accompanied by mild discomfort located at the costosternal junction, particularly around the second to fourth ribs, with greater intensity on the left side. Recently, during the last three days, she noticed a notable increase in pain on the left, to the extent that it occasionally causes a sharp sensation that temporarily immobilizes her. However, once she changes her position, the pain becomes more bearable. Notably, she is not experiencing any shortness of breath. The pain appears to be triggered by movement and can be replicated, leading her to believe that cardiac or pulmonary issues are unlikely. Attempts to alleviate the discomfort with a lidocaine patch have been largely ineffective, although she has found some slight relief with ibuprofen. This situation appears to align with typical presentations of costochondritis; nonetheless, she acknowledges that such symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks, while hers have persisted for an entire year. She has encountered information suggesting that chronic costochondritis might point to rheumatoid disorders, and she is uncertain about the validity of this claim. Given her earlier struggles with ulnar nerve entrapment, which occurred during her teenage years, she is contemplating whether this pain warrants further medical evaluation. Currently, she lacks comprehensive health insurance, and she wishes to avoid any extensive diagnostic processes if they are unlikely to yield actionable results. However, if there is a possibility that her symptoms could indicate a more serious condition, she is prepared to follow through with recommended evaluations. Thank you for your assistance!
Persistent Discomfort and Sensitivity in My Leg Since July 2025
I am a 19-year-old female diagnosed with PCOS, and I occasionally take hydroxyzine, a medication I only use a few times each month. On July 12, my leg from the mid-thigh down experienced a strange sensation—either numbness or heightened sensitivity. By July 14, the situation prompted a visit to the emergency room. The medical staff informed me that I had an inflamed nerve in my back. They prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and released me. However, since that day, I've noticed my right leg has felt unusual. After walking for more than half an hour, continuing to move becomes quite challenging. Riding a bicycle for just a few minutes causes burning sensations in my knee and weakness in my legs. At present, my knee and ankle are the areas that feel the most sensitive. Following any extended walks, the discomfort in my leg can last for up to three days. Additionally, I experience a sharp, intense pain in my hips, particularly in the upper thigh region and deep near the hip joint. It is important to note that I cannot be pregnant, as I practice celibacy. Visually, there are no noticeable differences between my affected leg and the other one. However, I experience pain when pressure is applied to my right ankle, and excessive movement worsens the discomfort. Otherwise, to an outsider, there appears to be nothing wrong at all with my leg.
Experiencing Severe Discomfort - What Are My Options?
Age: 35, Height: 5'2", Weight: 61 kg. I have been suffering from intense discomfort located beneath both of my ribs, particularly a sharp pain deep under my left rib cage. A significant medical event occurred on November 25 when I underwent gallbladder removal. This morning I experienced diarrhea, which has since improved after taking loperamide. However, about an hour ago, I was abruptly awakened by significant pain radiating under my ribs. Additionally, I've experienced minor nausea that hasn’t alleviated my symptoms. I took co-codamol roughly three hours ago for pain relief, but it has proven ineffective against the current level of pain I'm enduring. What might be causing these symptoms? I live in the UK and I'm hesitant to utilize emergency services unnecessarily. Yet, given that co-codamol hasn't alleviated my discomfort, and I have a demanding 12-hour shift ahead tomorrow, what steps should I take next?
Experiencing Discomfort in My Left Armpit
I realize this may sound odd, but I'm feeling unwell and thought I'd seek some advice regarding my symptoms. A few days ago, I began experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, which isn't unusual for me as I seem to catch these colds every month. However, what is out of the ordinary this time is the intense pain in my left armpit and left arm. The discomfort is quite pronounced, ranging from about a 6 or 7 on the pain scale at its worst, while averaging around a 4. Typically, I experience muscle soreness in both armpits and around the lymph nodes in my neck, but this sensation feels distinct. It’s difficult for me to articulate, but it seems to be an internal pain rather than muscular. The pain appears to originate from my armpit area, closer to my back, yet it radiates down my arm towards my pinky finger. I no longer have a fever; my main symptoms now are congestion and a general feeling of malaise. I thought it was best to reach out for some insights regarding this issue.
Strange Sensation in Hands Experienced at College Gathering
Last night, I attended a dorm party where we enjoyed drinks and wandered around the campus, sharing laughter and conversation. Out of nowhere, I started experiencing a severe discomfort in my hands—like a tingling sensation equivalent to pins and needles. At one point, I feared my hands might be bleeding due to the intensity of the pain. Strangely, this sensation was widespread; others at the party also mentioned feeling similar discomfort in their hands, both during the event and shortly after. Even now, the sensation persists although it's considerably diminished. Pressing certain points on my fingers seems to exacerbate the issue. I’m 19 years old, a male, standing 5’11” and weighing around 200 pounds, of Iranian descent, without any known medical conditions and currently not on any medication. What could be causing this odd sensation?