What is heavy bleeding after childbirth?
It’s normal to have some bleeding when you give birth. But if you lose half a litre (about a pint) or more of blood, it means your bleeding is heavy. Doctors call heavy bleeding after childbirth postpartum haemorrhage. If you lose about one litre (about two pints) or more of blood after childbirth, then you have severe postpartum haemorrhage.[1] It can be difficult for doctors to tell exactly how much blood you lose after you have a baby. But your doctor or midwife will monitor you carefully after your baby is born to check that you’re not losing too much blood. They will look at how much you are bleeding, and check your blood pressure, pulse and general health. These things will help them decide if you’re losing too much blood and need treatment. Heavy bleeding (haemorrhage) can happen during the first 24 hours after you give birth or up to six weeks later. • If you get heavy bleeding within 24 hours of giving birth, it’s called primary postpartum haemorrhage. • If you get heavy bleed
