How long might I bleed after having a C-section? | Expert Q/A

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Question:

How long might I bleed after having a C-section? When should I start to worry that it's too much?

Answer:

There are two considerations in how much bleeding is "too much": quantity and duration. In general, we have spoken of heavy bleeding as having to change a sanitary pad every hour, although there are no good studies to help quantify this. In any case, bleeding may be too heavy if a patient is feeling lightheaded, excessively fatigued, or if she passes out upon arising. Bleeding after Cesarean section will usually last between two and four weeks, with the heaviest bleeding occurring in the first two or three days. Small amounts of dark blood may persist up to six weeks.

By iParenting Staff
iParenting Staff Experts

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