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Childbirth/Menstrual Cycle after pregnancy

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Expert: - 9/10/2008


Question
I had my son on August 1 and the after pregnancy bleeding stopped at about three weeks. About a week later I got my period. It is going on 8 days of me having my period and the bleeding has not eased up at all. I am still having some clotting and really thick blood loss. Is this normal? Should I be concerned? Thank you

Answer
Lyndsey,

I wonder if this is still postpartum bleeding, not your period, as 3 weeks is a bit shorter than average.  I would give your care provider a call if you are having clots larger than the size of a silver dollar and a heavy flow.  It may also just be a heavier-than-normal period since you've just given birth.  It's not uncommon for the first cycle after birth to be exceptionally heavy.



Best,
Catherine

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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