What you will learn about why your postpartum bleeding stopped and started again:
- Postpartum bleeding (lochia) usually lasts 6-8 weeks and can naturally stop and start again while your uterus is healing.
- Everyday activities like lifting something heavy, walking too much, or not getting enough rest can make bleeding heavier again.
- Breastfeeding, sex too soon after birth, retained placental tissue bleeding, and uterine infections can also cause lochia to restart.
- Bright red blood weeks after birth is more likely to be your period returning than your lochia stopping and starting again.
- Certain symptoms, including dark clots, foul-smelling discharge, fever, or ongoing pelvic pain, may signal medical issues you need to seek professional help for.
If your postpartum bleeding stopped and started again, it can definitely feel VERY annoying and VERY frustrating. Because just when you thought you could finally stop thinking about pads and blood and sleepless nights, there it is again. Like a curse you can’t escape.
And to be fair, you’re not wrong. Postpartum bleeding (or lochia) is a little confusing. One day, it seems like it is almost gone. Then, a few days later, you might spot a little blood again. Then, after that, it can be back to a full-fledged flow.
In most cases, lochia stopping and starting again is completely normal. Sometimes it is your body’s way of telling you to slow down a bit. Sometimes, it is your period making a comeback. But occasionally, it can signal something that needs medical attention.
So let’s help you understand all this a bit better and talk about why lochia can stop and start again, when it is totally normal, and when to worry about postpartum bleeding.
How Long Does Postpartum Bleeding Last? And Can It Start Again?
As per research, postpartum bleeding usually lasts around 6-8 weeks but as uterine healing after childbirth does NOT happen in a straight line, it can stop and start again many times during this time frame.
After all, your uterus is recovering from pregnancy and childbirth. For months, the placenta was attached to its wall, and once it’s delivered, it leaves behind a wound roughly the size of a dinner plate that your body needs time to heal.
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And like any healing process, it does not happen evenly. Different parts of the uterine wall heal at different speeds. So, some days there is more tissue ready to shed. Some days there is less. Plus, how fast or slow it happens is also directly affected by what you are doing every day.
That is why lochia stopping and starting is part of the healing process. If it helps, you can keep reliable protection like Nua’s Maternity Panties on hand to feel a bit more prepared. They feel just like regular underwear but can absorb even the nastiest clots, if needed.
What Can Cause Postpartum Bleeding to Start Again?
If your bleeding seemed to be slowing down and then suddenly made a comeback, don’t panic. There are several reasons this can happen during postpartum recovery.
1. You Lifted Something Heavy
Your uterus is still healing after birth. Lifting something heavy can increase pressure inside your abdomen and pelvic area, which may cause blood that has collected inside the uterus or vagina to come out more quickly. As a result, lochia after birth that seemed to be slowing down may suddenly become ‘heavier’ again.
That’s why many doctors recommend avoiding lifting anything heavier than your baby for the first few weeks after birth.
2. You’re Not Resting Enough
A more active day, whether that’s lots of walking, climbing stairs, standing for long periods, or doing housework, can sometimes make postpartum bleeding more noticeable again.
That’s because activity can trigger uterine contractions, which help the uterus heal and shrink, but can also push out more blood and tissue from the healing placental site.
If you notice heavier bleeding after a busy day, it may be a sign that your body needs a little more rest. For a better understanding of how much rest your body needs and when it’s safe to become more active, check out our detailed postpartum recovery guide.
3. You Strained While Using the Bathroom
Postpartum constipation can cause you to put extra pressure while pooping. This can push out blood from the uterus and dislodge blood clots that were helping seal off healing blood vessels at the placental site, making bleeding seem heavier or more noticeable again.
So, if constipation is becoming a regular issue, it’s worth speaking to your doctor about it. In the meantime, comfortable, absorbent options like Nua’s 4x soft, super absorbent maternity pads can help you feel ready for any sudden changes in lochia after birth.
4. You Had Sex Too Soon
Experts usually recommend waiting at least six weeks to have sex after giving birth. That’s because the cervix is still open, the uterine lining is still healing, and the placental wound has not fully closed yet.
Penetrative sex can irritate or disturb this healing tissue, which may cause bleeding to start again or become heavier. So if you’ve noticed lochia stopping and starting after sex in the early postpartum weeks, that could be the reason.
5. You May Have Retained Placental Tissue
Sometimes, a small piece of the placenta can stay behind in the uterus after birth. While it’s not very common, studies suggest it happens in about 0.6% to 3.3% of vaginal deliveries.
When this happens, the uterus can’t fully heal the area where the placenta was attached. As a result, you may have retained placental tissue bleeding after the lochia stops.
This is usually diagnosed with an ultrasound and can be treated. Signs that retained placental tissue might be the cause include:
- Bleeding that keeps stopping and starting without an obvious reason
- Large, dark blood clots or noticeable pieces of tissue.
- Ongoing cramping in the lower abdomen or pelvic area.
- Enlarged, tender uterus that doesn’t seem to improve.
- Delay in the onset of breast milk production.
6. You Might Have an Infection
Sometimes, postpartum bleeding starts again because the lining of the uterus has become infected, a condition called endometritis. This infection usually develops within the first ten days after childbirth, although symptoms can occur anytime during the first 6 weeks postpartum. It is more common after a prolonged labour or a C-section.
Signs that an infection may be causing your bleeding to start again include:
- Discharge with a strong, unpleasant or foul smell.
- A fever above 38°C (100.4°F).
- Unexplained headache, loss of appetite or rapid heart rate.
- Pain while urinating, constipation, or painful bowel movements.
But How Do You Know It’s Not Your Period Coming Back?
Sometimes, what seems like lochia stopping and starting again is actually your first period after birth.
One of the biggest clues is a clear break in bleeding. If your bleeding completely stopped for several days (or even weeks) and then you see bright red blood weeks after birth, it may be your period rather than lochia.
For moms who aren’t breastfeeding, periods can return as early as 6-8 weeks after birth. And for breastfeeding mums, it may take longer, but it can still come back while you’re nursing. You can read more about your first period after pregnancy here.
What Should You Do If Your Postpartum Bleeding Stopped and Started Again?
In most cases, the best thing to do is slow down and pay attention to your symptoms. Try to rest, avoid heavy lifting, stay hydrated, and monitor whether the bleeding settles down again over the next day or two.
However, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor if:
- You’re soaking through a pad in an hour or less
- You’re passing very large blood clots
- The bleeding is getting heavier instead of lighter over time
- You have a fever, chills, or foul-smelling discharge
- You’re experiencing severe pain or cramping
Your Uterus Is Doing Its Best
Postpartum bleeding is rarely the neat, downward slope you are hoping for. It can stop and start again and again, especially when you’re giving your healing body a bit more to do than it was ready for.
And yes. The stop-and-start can be frustrating. It can feel like a setback when you’re already sleep-deprived, sore, and adjusting to life with a newborn. But in most cases, it doesn’t mean you’re going backwards. It means your uterus is still healing from one of the biggest physical events your body will ever go through.
So, for now, give yourself permission to slow down. Rest more than feels necessary. Accept help when it’s offered. And remember that healing after birth happens at its own pace. Having comfortable postpartum essentials, like Nua’s Maternity Care range, can also make those early weeks a little easier to navigate.
Still have questions about postpartum bleeding or recovery after birth? Drop them in the comments below and we’ll do our best to help.
FAQs
1. Is it normal for postpartum bleeding to stop and start again?
Yes. Lochia can naturally stop and start during the first 6–8 weeks after childbirth as your uterus continues to heal.
2. What can cause postpartum bleeding to start again?
Increased physical activity, lifting heavy objects, constipation, breastfeeding, having sex too soon, retained placental tissue, or a uterine infection can all cause bleeding to become noticeable again.
3. How can I tell if it’s postpartum bleeding or my first period?
If your bleeding stopped completely for several days or weeks before bright red bleeding returned, it may be your first period rather than lochia, especially if you’re not exclusively breastfeeding.
4. When should I worry about postpartum bleeding?
Seek medical attention if you’re soaking through a pad in an hour, passing very large clots, developing a fever, noticing foul-smelling discharge, or experiencing severe pelvic pain.
5. Can breastfeeding affect postpartum bleeding?
Yes. Breastfeeding triggers uterine contractions that help the uterus shrink, which can sometimes cause lochia to become heavier or restart temporarily.
6. How long does postpartum bleeding usually last?
Most women experience postpartum bleeding for 6–8 weeks, although the amount and colour of the bleeding may change as the uterus heals.
Disclaimer
The content of this article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared is of a general nature and may not be appropriate for all individuals or specific circumstances. Readers should not disregard, delay, or substitute professional medical advice based on the information contained herein.
If you experience any symptoms, notice anything unusual, or have concerns relating to your health or overall wellbeing, you should consult a qualified healthcare professional. While every effort is made to ensure the information shared is accurate and up-to-date, Nua makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information provided and disclaims all liability arising from reliance on this content to the fullest extent permitted by law.
