Is it normal to have blood clots after birth?

Why This Happens

The body undergoes significant changes during and after delivery, and bleeding is a standard part of the healing process. There are several reasons why clots may form:

• Normal Uterine Healing: As the uterus shrinks back to its original size, it sheds the lining and blood that accumulated during pregnancy. When blood pools slightly before exiting the body, it can clot naturally.
• Lochia Progression: Lochia is the vaginal discharge after birth. In the early stages, it is often bright red and may contain small clots as the body clears the uterine cavity.
• Activity Levels: Sometimes, if you have been resting or lying down for a while, blood may collect in the vagina, forming a larger clot that is released once you stand up.

What It Might Mean in Your Situation

Whether clots are “normal” often depends on the timing, the size of the clots, and other accompanying symptoms. Nuance is important here, as every recovery is different.

Timing: In the first 24 to 48 hours, small clots are very frequent. As the weeks progress, the bleeding should transition from bright red to pinkish-brown and then to white/yellow. If you see a sudden return of bright red blood or large clots after the bleeding had already slowed down, it may be a sign that the uterus isn’t contracting as expected.

Size and Frequency: A clot the size of a grape or a coin is generally considered common. A clot the size of a golf ball or larger, or soaking through a maxi pad in an hour or less, is typically a signal to contact a doctor.

Associated Feelings: Pay attention to how you feel. If you are passing clots but feel generally recovered, it may be standard. If you feel dizzy, short of breath, or have a racing heart, the bleeding may be more significant than it appears.

What To Do About It

1. Track and Document: Keep a simple note of the size of the clots and how often you are changing your pads. This information is incredibly helpful for your healthcare provider to determine if your recovery is on track.
2. Communicate with Your Care Team: If you are unsure, send a message to your OB-GYN or midwife. You might say: “I am [X] days postpartum and noticing clots about the size of [comparison]. Is this expected, or should I come in for a checkup?”
3. Monitor Vital Signs: Check for a fever or a foul odor in the discharge, as these can be signs of infection rather than simple clotting. If these are present, prioritize a medical appointment immediately.

Real-Life Example

Sarah gave birth three days ago. She noticed a few small, dark red clots in her pad after her first shower. Because they were small (the size of a cherry) and she felt otherwise stable, she noted them in her recovery journal and mentioned them during her follow-up call. Her provider confirmed this was a normal part of the lochia process, provided the bleeding continued to lighten over the following weeks.

Related Questions

• How long does postpartum bleeding last?
• When should I call my doctor after birth?
• What is lochia after delivery?
• What are the signs of a postpartum infection?

When To Seek Outside Help

Medical concerns during the postpartum period should always be handled by a licensed healthcare professional. Seek immediate emergency medical help or go to the nearest ER if you experience: bleeding that soaks through more than one pad per hour, clots larger than a golf ball, severe abdominal pain, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a high fever. If the stress of recovery is causing severe emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm, please contact a licensed mental health professional or a crisis hotline immediately.