Menstrual bleeding for 3 weeks. Placenta Previa: Causes, Symptoms, and Management of This Pregnancy Complication

17.08.202323.06.2023 by alexxlab

What is placenta previa. How is placenta previa diagnosed. What are the risk factors for developing placenta previa. How is placenta previa managed during pregnancy. What are the potential complications of placenta previa. When does placenta previa typically resolve. What precautions should be taken with placenta previa.

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Understanding Placenta Previa: A Pregnancy Complication

Placenta previa is a pregnancy complication that occurs when the placenta covers part or all of the cervical opening during the last months of pregnancy. This condition can lead to severe bleeding before or during labor, posing risks to both the mother and baby. To fully grasp the implications of placenta previa, it’s crucial to understand the role of the placenta and how this condition develops.

The Placenta’s Role in Pregnancy

The placenta is a vital organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. Its primary functions include:

Providing the developing fetus with food and oxygen
Removing waste products from the baby’s blood
Acting as a barrier between the mother’s and baby’s blood supply

Typically, the placenta attaches to the upper part of the uterus, allowing for a clear path through the cervix during delivery. However, in cases of placenta previa, this normal positioning is disrupted.

Identifying the Symptoms of Placenta Previa

Recognizing the signs of placenta previa is crucial for prompt medical intervention. The primary symptom is sudden vaginal bleeding, which can range from light to heavy. Other symptoms may include:

Cramps or sharp pains in the abdomen
Intermittent bleeding that starts, stops, and begins again over days or weeks
Bleeding after sexual intercourse
Bleeding during the second half of pregnancy

Is all vaginal bleeding during pregnancy a sign of placenta previa? Not necessarily. While any bleeding during pregnancy warrants medical attention, there can be various causes. However, bleeding in the second half of pregnancy is more likely to be associated with placental issues and should be investigated promptly by a healthcare provider.

Risk Factors for Developing Placenta Previa

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing placenta previa. Understanding these risk factors can help healthcare providers identify high-risk pregnancies and implement appropriate monitoring strategies.

Medical and Obstetric Factors

Previous uterine surgeries (e.g., cesarean delivery, myomectomy)
Prior dilation and curettage (D&C) procedures
Multiple gestation pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
Previous miscarriage
Large placenta
Abnormally shaped uterus
Prior placenta previa diagnosis

Demographic and Lifestyle Factors

Maternal age over 35
Asian descent
Smoking during pregnancy
Having already given birth to one or more children

Can placenta previa be prevented? While not all cases of placenta previa can be prevented, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, and discussing any prior uterine surgeries with your healthcare provider can help manage risk factors.

Diagnosing Placenta Previa: The Role of Ultrasound Technology

Early detection of placenta previa is crucial for proper management and care. The condition is typically first identified during routine prenatal ultrasounds, particularly the 20-week scan. However, it’s important to note that a low-lying placenta at this stage doesn’t necessarily mean placenta previa will persist throughout the pregnancy.

Ultrasound Techniques for Diagnosis

Two primary ultrasound methods are used to diagnose and monitor placenta previa:

Transvaginal ultrasound: This is the preferred and most accurate method. A probe is placed inside the vagina to provide a detailed view of the cervix and lower uterus.
Transabdominal ultrasound: This technique involves moving a transducer over the abdomen to visualize the pelvic organs.

How accurate are these ultrasound techniques in diagnosing placenta previa? Transvaginal ultrasound is considered the gold standard, offering superior accuracy in determining the exact location of the placenta in relation to the cervix. However, both methods can be effective when used appropriately.

Managing Placenta Previa During Pregnancy

The management of placenta previa focuses on minimizing risks and ensuring the safety of both mother and baby. Treatment approaches may vary depending on the severity of the condition, the gestational age, and the presence of bleeding.

Conservative Management

For cases diagnosed early in pregnancy without significant bleeding, conservative management may include:

Pelvic rest: Abstaining from sexual intercourse and limiting activities that may strain the pelvic floor
Avoiding internal examinations of the cervix
Regular ultrasound monitoring
Iron supplementation to prevent anemia

Medical Interventions

In cases of significant bleeding or other complications, more intensive management may be necessary:

Hospitalization for close monitoring
Administration of corticosteroids to accelerate fetal lung maturation if preterm delivery is anticipated
Blood transfusions if necessary
Planned cesarean delivery once the fetus reaches viability

When is cesarean delivery typically performed for placenta previa? The timing of delivery depends on various factors, including the severity of bleeding, fetal well-being, and gestational age. In general, if the pregnancy remains stable, delivery is often planned between 36 and 37 weeks of gestation.

Potential Complications and Long-term Implications of Placenta Previa

While proper management can mitigate many risks associated with placenta previa, it’s important to be aware of potential complications that may arise.

Maternal Complications

Severe hemorrhage during pregnancy or delivery
Increased risk of placenta accreta (abnormal attachment of the placenta to the uterine wall)
Higher likelihood of requiring a hysterectomy
Increased risk of postpartum infections

Fetal and Neonatal Complications

Preterm birth and associated risks
Intrauterine growth restriction
Fetal anemia due to maternal blood loss
Increased risk of birth defects (although rare)

Do all cases of placenta previa result in complications? Not necessarily. With proper management and monitoring, many women with placenta previa can have successful pregnancies and deliveries. However, the condition does carry inherent risks that require vigilant care and preparedness.

The Resolution of Placenta Previa: Understanding the Timeline

One of the most common questions among those diagnosed with placenta previa is whether the condition will resolve on its own. The good news is that in many cases, especially those diagnosed early in pregnancy, placenta previa does correct itself.

Factors Influencing Resolution

Several factors can influence whether placenta previa resolves:

Gestational age at diagnosis
The degree of placental coverage over the cervix
The rate of uterine growth and expansion
Individual anatomical factors

According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, only 10% of individuals with a low-lying placenta at 20 weeks will still have a low-lying placenta at their next ultrasound. Moreover, only 0.5% will have placenta previa at the end of their pregnancy.

How long does it typically take for placenta previa to resolve? The resolution of placenta previa, if it occurs, usually happens as the pregnancy progresses and the uterus expands. Most cases that will resolve do so by the third trimester. However, it’s crucial to continue monitoring throughout the pregnancy, as some cases may persist until delivery.

Precautions and Lifestyle Adjustments for Managing Placenta Previa

Living with a diagnosis of placenta previa requires certain precautions and lifestyle adjustments to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. These measures are designed to minimize the risk of bleeding and other complications.

Essential Precautions

Adhering to pelvic rest guidelines, including abstaining from sexual intercourse
Avoiding strenuous physical activities or exercises that may strain the pelvic floor
Limiting travel, especially to areas far from medical facilities
Being vigilant about any signs of bleeding or cramping

Lifestyle Adjustments

In addition to medical precautions, certain lifestyle adjustments can support a healthy pregnancy with placenta previa:

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in iron to prevent anemia
Staying well-hydrated
Managing stress through relaxation techniques or mild, approved exercises
Attending all scheduled prenatal appointments and ultrasounds
Preparing for potential bed rest or hospitalization if recommended by healthcare providers

What should you do if you experience bleeding while diagnosed with placenta previa? Any bleeding, no matter how light, should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately. In cases of heavy bleeding, seeking emergency medical attention is crucial.

Placenta previa, while a serious pregnancy complication, can often be managed effectively with proper care and monitoring. Understanding the condition, recognizing its symptoms, and adhering to medical advice are key to navigating this challenge. As research continues to advance our understanding of placental disorders, treatment strategies may evolve, offering even better outcomes for affected pregnancies. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and the most up-to-date information regarding your specific situation.

Placenta Previa

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Medically reviewed by Fernando Mariz, MD — By Shannon Johnson — Updated on September 7, 2021

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta covers the opening of the cervix during the last months of pregnancy. This condition can cause severe bleeding before or during labor.

The placenta develops in a pregnant person’s uterus during pregnancy. This sac-like organ provides the developing baby with food and oxygen. It also removes waste products from the baby’s blood. The placenta is also referred to as “afterbirth” because it exits the body after the baby is born.

During pregnancy, the uterus stretches and grows. It’s normal for the placenta to be low in the uterus in early pregnancy. As the pregnancy continues and the uterus stretches, the part of the uterine the placenta was stuck to moves, usually away from the cervical opening.

By the third trimester, the placenta should be near the top of the womb. This position allows the cervix, or the entrance to the womb at the bottom of the uterus, a clear path for delivery.

If the placenta attaches instead to the lower part of the uterus, it can cover part or all of the internal opening or “os” of the cervix. When the placenta covers the cervical os during the last months of pregnancy, the condition is known as placenta previa.

Most pregnant people with placenta previa will require pelvic rest. This typically includes abstaining from having sexual intercourse, limiting any procedures like an obstetrical check for dilation, and possibly restricting any exercises that may strain the pelvic floor.

The main symptom of placenta previa is sudden light to heavy bleeding from the vagina. Any bleeding can be representative of problems with the placenta and needs investigation by a physician. Specific symptoms may include:

cramps or sharp pains
bleeding that starts, stops, and begins again days or weeks later
bleeding after intercourse
bleeding during the second half of pregnancy

Risk factors for the development of placenta previa include:

unusual position of the baby, including breech (buttocks first) or transverse (lying horizontally across the womb)
previous surgeries that involve the uterus: cesarean delivery, surgery to remove uterine fibroids, dilation and curettage (D&C)
pregnant with twins or other multiples
prior miscarriage
large placenta
abnormally shaped uterus
having already given birth to one child
prior diagnosis of placenta previa

Pregnant people who are smokers, who are older than 35, or who are of Asian descent are also at higher risk of developing placenta previa.

Usually, the first signs of placenta previa will show up during the routine 20-week ultrasound. These initial signs are not necessarily a cause for worry, since the placenta is often lower in the uterus during the early part of a pregnancy.

The placenta usually corrects itself. According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, only 10 percent of people with low-lying placenta at 20 weeks will have a low-lying placenta at their next ultrasound. Only .5 percent will have placenta previa at the end of their pregnancy.

If you experience any bleeding in the second half of your pregnancy, doctors will monitor the position of the placenta using one of these preferred methods:

Transvaginal ultrasound. Your doctor places a probe inside the vagina to provide an inside view of your vaginal canal and cervix. This is the preferred and most accurate method for determining placenta previa.
Transabdominal ultrasound. A healthcare technician places gel on your abdomen and moves a handheld unit called a transducer around your abdomen to view the pelvic organs. The sound waves make a picture on a TV-like screen.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This imaging scan will help clearly determine the placenta’s location.

During labor, the cervix will open to allow the baby to move into the vaginal canal for birth. If the placenta is in front of the cervix, it will begin to separate as the cervix opens, causing internal bleeding.

This can necessitate an emergency C-section, even if the baby is premature, as the pregnant person could bleed to death if no action is taken. Vaginal birth also poses too many risks for the pregnant person, who could experience severe hemorrhaging during labor, delivery, or after the first few hours of delivery.

A placenta previa diagnosis can be alarming for people who are expecting a baby. Here are some ideas for how to cope with your condition and how to prepare yourself for delivery.

Get educated. The more you know, the more you’ll know what to expect. Get in contact with other people who have been through placenta previa births.

Be prepared for your cesarean delivery. Depending on the type of your placenta previa, you might not be able to have a vaginal birth. It’s good to remember the ultimate goal — the health of you and your baby.

Rest. Pelvic rest is important while you are experiencing this condition. Additionally you should not engage in any strenuous activity or heavy lifting. You can use the time wisely by catching up on small projects, such as:

putting together a photo album
writing letters
reading about your upcoming lifestyle change

Pamper yourself. Indulge in small pleasures, such as:

buying a new pair of comfortable pajamas
reading a good book
watching your favorite TV program
keeping a gratitude journal

Be sure to rely on your circle of friends and family for conversation and support.

Last medically reviewed on September 7, 2021

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Pregnancy
Pregnancy Health

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Anderson-Bagga FM, et al. (2021). Placenta previa.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539818/#article-27262.s2
Eichelberger KY, et al. (2011). Placenta previa in the second trimester: sonographic and clinical factors associated with its resolution.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3175253/
Placenta praevia, placenta praevia accreta and vasa praevia. (2018).
rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/placenta-praevia/

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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Medically reviewed by Fernando Mariz, MD — By Shannon Johnson — Updated on September 7, 2021

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Heavy Periods: Shelnutt Gynecology: Gynecologists

The average woman starts her menstrual cycle at the age of 12 or 13 and continues to have regular periods until she reaches menopause around the age of 50. This means that most women have monthly periods for nearly four decades or about half of their expected lifespan.

A normal period can vary quite a bit. Some women are blessed with light periods that only last 3-4 days, while others typically experience a heavier flow for 1-2 days followed by several days of lighter bleeding.

While a lengthy menstrual flow can be perfectly normal, heavy periods that make it hard to leave your house, interfere with your daily routine, or prevent you from living your life to the fullest aren’t normal, and may even be a sign that something’s wrong.

At Shelnutt Gynecology, we help women whose periods are causing them distress. Here’s why you should never ignore heavy menstrual bleeding.

Menstrual cycle basics

Although a regular menstrual cycle can last anywhere from 24-38 days from start to finish, the average cycle lasts about 28 days. Controlled by many different glands and hormones in your body, this complex and continuous series of events begins when the lining of your uterus thickens in preparation for the monthly release of an egg from one of your ovaries.

Once the egg bursts out of its follicle, it’s viable — and available for fertilization — for about one day. Even if it isn’t joined by a sperm during this time, your uterine lining remains thick for the next two weeks, just in case there happens to be a fertilized egg getting ready to implant itself in the lining.

When pregnancy doesn’t occur, your uterus sheds its thickened lining in a monthly “period” of bleeding. Normal uterine bleeding typically lasts no longer than a week, and normal menstrual flow can be slow and light, fast and heavy, or anything in between.

Abnormally heavy periods

Because a heavy menstrual flow can be completely normal, it’s important to understand exactly when a heavy period can be considered too heavy, or abnormal. Abnormally heavy periods, which affect as many as one in three women at some point in their reproductive years, often cause:

Uncontrollable flow that requires double sanitary protection
Fast soaking that makes you need to change your pad or tampon at least once every hour, for several hours in a row
Heavy nighttime flow that disrupts your sleep and requires you to change your protection
Any menstrual flow that contains blood clots the size of a quarter or larger

Periods that last longer than a week may also qualify as abnormally heavy, even if their flow isn’t always particularly heavy or worrisome.

Common underlying causes

If you’ve experienced any of the tell-tale symptoms of a heavy period, getting to the root of the problem isn’t simply a good idea — it’s extremely important to your health.

Left untreated, heavy periods can cause chronic anemia and leave you feeling perpetually weak, tired, lightheaded, and even short of breath. Worse yet, heavy periods may be symptomatic of an underlying problem that can ultimately impair your fertility and make it harder to get pregnant.

Your heavy periods may be caused by:

Hormone-related conditions

Heavy menstrual bleeding is often the result of a reproductive hormone imbalance caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), insulin resistance, ovarian dysfunction, a thyroid problem, or some other hormone-related condition.

Noncancerous growths

Endometrial, uterine, and cervical polyps can cause heavy periods, as can uterine fibroids.

Cancer and precancerous conditions

Heavy periods are sometimes symptomatic of uterine or cervical cancer, or may be a sign of a precancerous condition like endometrial hyperplasia.

Sexual infections

Although sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, are more likely to cause spotting or bleeding between periods, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can lead to heavy periods as well as chronic pelvic pain.

Bleeding disorders

As many as 10% of all women with heavy periods have some sort of bleeding disorder that makes it harder for their body to form clots quickly. Besides causing a chronically heavy or prolonged menstrual flow, bleeding disorders can increase your risk of serious complications during and after childbirth.

A highly treatable problem

Luckily, a thorough investigation is usually all it takes to uncover the underlying cause of a chronically heavy period. Even better, most of these root conditions are highly treatable.

If you’re ready to put an end to heavy periods for good, call our office in Athens, Georgia, or use the easy online tool to schedule a visit with Dr. Shelnutt.

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Treatment of uterine bleeding | Dobromed

Uterine bleeding – discharge of blood from the vagina, characterized by profuseness and duration. This pathological condition poses a danger to the life and health of a woman, is a sign of serious diseases of the reproductive system. In order to save the patient, it is important to immediately give her first aid, find out the cause of the outpouring of blood. Natural bleeding from the vagina is called menstruation. Menstrual bleeding is characterized by cyclicity, repeated at regular intervals. The period between menstruation usually lasts 25 – 30 days. Blood from the vagina should not stand out longer than 8 days, otherwise we can talk about pathology. Violation of the menstrual cycle is a reason to immediately contact a gynecologist. The doctor will find out the cause of the pathological phenomenon, help get rid of the disease at an early stage, until complications arise.

Causes of uterine bleeding

The likelihood of uterine bleeding depends on the age of the patient. In girls from 12 to 18 years old, abundant discharge of blood from the vagina is a consequence of a hormonal imbalance. And hormonal failures at a young age arise due to:

physical trauma or emotional upheaval;
deterioration of the endocrine glands;
malnutrition, vitamin deficiency in the body;
pregnancy with complications, difficult delivery;
genital tuberculosis;
bleeding disorders;
experienced severe infectious diseases.

In older women, uterine bleeding is rare and is usually associated with ovarian dysfunction. In this case, the provocateurs of the pathological condition are:

stress, overwork, nervous tension, mental disorders;
uterine fibroids;
endometriosis;
advanced endometritis;
uterine polyps;
oncology of the uterus or cervix;
tumor formations in the ovaries;
ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, medical or instrumental abortion;
infectious diseases of the reproductive organs;
climate change, unfavorable ecological situation in the place of residence, harmful working conditions;
taking medications that can disrupt the systemic work of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Uterine bleeding is common in menopausal women. This is due to a decrease in the synthesis of gonadotropin by the pituitary gland. As a result, the level of sex hormones in the female body begins to jump, the menstrual cycle goes astray, and the formation of follicles in the ovaries is disrupted. Common causes of uterine bleeding at reproductive age are:

Symptoms of uterine bleeding

weakness;
fainting;
dizziness;
nausea;
blanching of the skin;
cardiac tachycardia;
lowering blood pressure.
copious bleeding from the vagina;
presence of clots in blood secretions;
change pad every 2 hours, even more often;
bleeding more than 8 days;
increased bleeding after intercourse;
painless bleeding with a dysfunctional origin of the pathology;
discrepancy between the onset of bleeding and the period of menstruation.

The duration of menstruation normally does not exceed 8 days, and bleeding that persists longer than the normal period is pathological. Unhealthy should be considered vaginal bleeding, the period between which is less than 21 days. During menstruation, 80-120 ml of blood flows out per day, with uterine bleeding, the daily volume of blood is more than 120 ml.

Types of uterine bleeding

Bleeding from the uterus, depending on the age of the patients, are divided into five types.

During infancy. In the first week of life, a newborn girl may have slight bleeding from the vagina. This is not a pathological phenomenon, the child does not need medical intervention. Infant bleeding is caused by a sharp change in the hormonal background in a girl who was born, and disappear on their own.
Before puberty. During this period, vaginal bleeding in girls is rare. The cause of the pathological condition is most often a hormone-dependent ovarian tumor, due to which the sex gland synthesizes too many hormones. As a result, the girl has a false maturation of the reproductive system.
During puberty. Uterine bleeding during puberty, attributable to 12-18 years, is called juvenile.
During the reproductive period. Bleeding from the uterus, observed in the period of 18 – 45 years, are organic, dysfunctional, breakthrough, as well as due to pregnancy and childbirth.
In menopause. During the period of extinction of the reproductive function, bleeding from the vagina is most often associated with pathologies of the genital organs or with a decrease in the synthesis of hormones.

Dysfunctional bleeding

This type of uterine bleeding during the reproductive period is the most common. The pathological condition is diagnosed in both girls and older women during menopause. The cause of dysfunctional blood secretions is the failure of the synthesis of sex hormones by the endocrine glands. The endocrine system, including the pituitary, hypothalamus, ovaries and adrenal glands, controls the production of sex hormones. If the work of this complex system fails, then the menstrual cycle is disturbed, the duration and abundance of menstruation changes, the likelihood of infertility and spontaneous abortion increases. Therefore, with any changes in the menstrual cycle, you should immediately contact a gynecologist. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding can be ovulatory and anovulatory. Ovulatory bleeding is manifested by a change in the duration and abundance of blood discharge during menstruation. Anovulatory bleeding occurs more often, due to the lack of ovulation due to a violation of the synthesis of sex hormones.

Organic bleeding

Such bleeding is caused either by severe pathologies of the reproductive organs, or blood diseases, or serious disorders of the internal organs.

Breakthrough bleeding

Such uterine bleeding is also called iatrogenic. They are diagnosed after exceeding the dosage and course of taking certain medications, frequent use of hormonal contraceptives, as well as after surgery to install a spiral and after other surgical procedures on the organs of the reproductive system. synthetic hormones. In this situation, it is recommended to consult a doctor about changing the dosage of the medication. In most cases, with breakthrough bleeding, gynecologists advise patients to increase the dosage of the hormonal agent for a certain time. If after this measure the amount of blood released does not decrease, but increases, then you need to urgently undergo a medical examination. In this case, the cause of the pathological condition may be a serious disease of the reproductive system. If uterine bleeding occurred after the installation of the spiral, then the contraceptive device most likely injured the walls of the uterus. In this situation, you should immediately remove the spiral and wait for the healing of the uterine walls.

Bleeding due to pregnancy and childbirth

In the first months of pregnancy, bleeding from the uterus is a sign of either threatened spontaneous abortion or ectopic location of the fetus. In these pathological conditions, there are severe pains in the lower abdomen. A pregnant woman who has begun uterine bleeding should immediately contact a supervising doctor. When a spontaneous abortion begins, the fetus can be saved if the correct treatment is started in time. In the last stages of a miscarriage, you will have to say goodbye to pregnancy, in this case, curettage is prescribed. In an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo develops in the fallopian tube or cervix. Menstruation is delayed, some symptoms of pregnancy are noted, but the embryo is not found in the uterus. When the embryo reaches a certain stage of development, bleeding occurs. In this situation, the woman needs urgent medical attention.

In the third trimester of pregnancy, uterine bleeding is deadly for both the mother and the developing child.

The causes of the pathological condition in the later stages of gestation are placenta previa or abruption, rupture of the uterine walls. In these cases, the woman urgently needs medical attention, usually a caesarean section is performed. Patients who have a high risk of the above pathologies should be kept. Uterine bleeding can also occur during childbirth. In this case, its causes may be the following pathological conditions:

placenta previa;
bleeding disorder;
low uterine contractility;
placental abruption;
stuck in the uterus afterbirth.

If bleeding from the uterus occurs a few days after the birth, you should immediately call an ambulance. The young mother will need emergency hospitalization.

First aid before the arrival of doctors

Excessive bleeding from the vagina must be stopped or at least reduced before the arrival of doctors. This is a matter of life and death for a woman. In most cases, with competent first aid, bleeding stops, but in 15% of cases, the pathological process ends in death.

Every woman should know how to help herself before the arrival of the doctors, what can and cannot be done.

A sick woman, waiting for doctors at home, should do the following:

lie on her back, remove the pillow from under her head;
place a high roll made of towels or a blanket under the shins;
place a cold water bottle or ice-filled heating pad on the stomach;
drink cold still water.

It is strictly forbidden:

to stand or sit;
lie with your legs pressed to your stomach;
take a hot bath;
douche;
put a heating pad on the stomach;
drink hot drinks;
take any medication.

Drug therapy

Treatment of diseases that caused bleeding from the uterus is carried out in a hospital. In addition, the doctor prescribes medicines to the patient to help stop the bleeding. Hemostatic drugs are taken only on the recommendation of a medical specialist, taking drugs at one’s own discretion is strictly prohibited. Below is a list of medicines most commonly used to stop bleeding.

Etamzilat – This drug stimulates the synthesis of thromboplastin, changes the permeability of blood vessels. Blood clotting increases, as a result, bleeding is weakened. The drug is intended for intramuscular injection.
Oxytocin – A hormonal drug often used during childbirth to improve uterine contractility. As a result of contraction of the uterine muscles, bleeding stops. The drug oxytocin is prescribed for intravenous administration with the addition of glucose, has a large list of contraindications.
Aminocaproic acid – This medicinal substance prevents blood clots from dissolving under the influence of certain factors, due to this, bleeding is reduced. The medicine is either taken orally or given intravenously. Treatment of uterine bleeding with aminocaproic acid is carried out under close medical supervision.
Vikasol – The drug is based on vitamin K. With a deficiency in the body of this vitamin, blood clotting worsens. The drug is prescribed to patients who have a tendency to uterine bleeding. However, vitamin K begins to act only 10-12 hours after it enters the body, so it is not advisable to use the drug to stop the blood in emergency cases.
Calcium gluconate – The drug is prescribed for calcium deficiency in the body. Deficiency increases the permeability of the vascular walls, worsens blood clotting. This drug is also not suitable for emergency use, but is used to strengthen blood vessels in patients prone to bleeding.

Treatment with folk remedies

Decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants can be used to stop and prevent uterine bleeding. Listed below are the most popular and effective folk recipes for stopping blood.

Infusion of yarrow – You need to take 2 teaspoons of dried plant material, pour a glass of boiling water. The solution is infused for about an hour, then filtered. The infusion is taken in a quarter cup 4 times a day before meals.
Nettle decoction – Take a tablespoon of dried nettle leaves, pour a glass of boiling water. The solution is boiled over low heat for 10 minutes, then filtered. Ready broth is taken in a tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.
Infusion of shepherd’s purse – Take a tablespoon of dried plant materials, pour a glass of boiling water. The container with the solution is wrapped in a warm towel, left for an hour to infuse. Ready infusion is filtered, taken in a tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.

It must be remembered that folk remedies cannot be a complete replacement for medicines, they are used only as an addition to the main therapy. Before using herbal remedies, be sure to consult a medical specialist to rule out intolerance to the medicinal plant and other contraindications.

Causes of heavy periods after childbirth

Comment from an expert
Gynecologist Anastasia Degteva

“If your periods after childbirth are heavy, you should take a pregnancy test. Especially if you are not using effective methods of contraception. Bleeding, in which you have to change more than two maxi pads within two hours or more, is life-threatening and requires an ambulance call. Discharge after childbirth, of course, may become more abundant, but they should not go beyond the norm.

Pregnancy and childbirth is a period of significant changes in a woman’s life. These periods cause a real hormonal storm in the body, and often lead to changes in familiar areas such as the menstrual cycle.

Please remember that the body after childbirth requires special attention. Take care of yourself and in case of any doubt, consult a doctor.

First of all, let’s talk about the difference between postpartum hemorrhage (lochia) and menstruation.

What are lochia?

Lochia should be distinguished from heavy first menstruation after childbirth. Lochia is profuse bleeding from the vagina that begins immediately after childbirth. During them, the vagina gets rid of the thick layer of endometrium formed during pregnancy. They are usually dark red in color and abound in blood clots. Lochia is NOT menstruation, they should be considered as a sign of recovery of the body after childbirth. Usually they last 24-36 days, ie. 3-5 weeks. Over time, they become less abundant and change color: they become pink or transparent. Despite the similarity with menstruation, they should be distinguished. During lochia, there are also cramps, as well as during menstruation, because the uterus contracts, returning to its normal size and getting rid of excess endometrium. Lochia differs from menstruation in that it becomes lighter over time, while menstrual blood tends to darken towards the end of the cycle.

What to do when lochia comes?

Bleeding is usually very heavy at first, and in the hospital you will most likely need special gynecological pads or panties for adults. As soon as the bleeding subsides, you can start using the usual
sanitary pads.

The body is weakened at this time, so it is especially important to monitor hygiene and change pads in time so as not to infect.

Do not use tampons unless your doctor tells you to. When the lochia is completely weakened and brightened, you can switch to
daily pads and wait for the first menstruation after childbirth.

What to expect from menstruation after childbirth?

If you are not breastfeeding, your period is likely to start 1-3 months after giving birth, but if you are breastfeeding only, your period may not return for the entire period of breastfeeding. However, for many breastfeeding women, menstruation also returns after a couple of months. This is due to the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for the production of breast milk. It can suppress other sex hormones, thereby preventing ovulation and thus menstruation. But most often in women who are breastfeeding, the menstrual cycle is restored 6 months after childbirth.

If menstruation returned quickly, and the birth was vaginal (not caesarean section), then you should not use tampons for the first time, because the body is still recovering, and give preference to
gaskets.

Often after childbirth, the very nature of menstruation changes: in some women it becomes more abundant, and in others it is easier. Often, the cycle is unstable for some time, but eventually returns to normal. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict what changes await a woman after childbirth in this regard.

Childbirth is a huge burden for the body, and it will take some time to recover. There is no gold standard for the postpartum recovery period; it is individual for each woman. If you are in any doubt, it is always best to consult a doctor.

For what reasons do menstruation change after childbirth?

Uterus should return to normal size
Breastfeeding affects cycle and hormones
Hormonal imbalance

How can menstruation change after childbirth?

Pain in the lower abdomen may become worse or vice versa less
Blood clots may appear
Unstable menstrual cycle
Abrupt onset and end of bleeding
More profuse periods

Why are the first periods after childbirth heavy and what is heavy menstruation?

Very often the very first menstruation after pregnancy and childbirth is more abundant than usual. Heavy periods – such periods when a woman has to use one pad or tampon per hour for several hours in a row (more than 80 ml of fluid per cycle) and / or which last more than 7 days, they are also called “menorrhagia”. On the other hand, bleeding in women is different, and what is normal and normal for one is unusual and strange for another, so you should focus on what kind of menstruation is typical for you.

Often, the first menstruation is characterized by increased soreness, because the mucous membrane of the uterus, even after childbirth, is still thicker than its usual state before menstruation.

Most likely, over time, everything will return to normal, but some discomfort is possible in the first months due to the amount of discharge. To avoid trouble with leakage during heavy periods with clots, you can use
night panty liners Kotex Ultra Night. They quickly absorb even the heaviest of secretions thanks to their unique 3D center, while special elastic grooves along the pad give it flexibility and provide additional protection against back leaks. Adjustable inner layer adapts perfectly to body shape and posture. Suitable for this occasion
Kotex Natural Night: They have the same benefits as
Kotex Ultra Night, and are ideal for women with sensitive skin. You can buy these pads in stores and pharmacies, as well as order on the Internet.

What symptoms should I look out for?

Although many cycle changes after childbirth are normal, some symptoms still require medical attention:

Unexpected heat and high temperature
Very heavy periods (you have to change pads with maximum absorption more than once an hour, such heavy bleeding lasts more than 2 hours)
Menstruation lasts longer than 7 days
Difficulties with breathing
Severe headaches
Very large blood clots (larger than a ping pong ball)
Sharp, sharp pain at the onset of bleeding

Please remember that excessive bleeding can lead to anemia and weakness, women with heavy periods need to monitor the level of iron and ferritin in the blood.

What methods of correction of heavy periods can doctors suggest?

Unfortunately, sometimes heavy periods after childbirth do not return to normal and begin to interfere with normal life. In such cases, doctors can help you choose the right method for correcting this condition, depending on your state of health, the cause that causes them and personal preferences.

Here are some of them:

An intrauterine device is a small device containing the hormone progesterone that a doctor places inside the uterus.
Non-hormonal drugs – a doctor may suggest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs based on tranexamic acid
Hormonal preparations such as combined oral contraceptives or progesterone tablets
Surgical operations correcting the cause of abnormal heavy periods (curettage of the uterine cavity, removal of fibrosis, etc.)

How can you help yourself at home if you have heavy periods?

Yes, there is little pleasure in heavy menstruation, especially if they are painful, but this does not mean that it is impossible to help yourself during this period.

Try using a heating pad. Heat can relieve acute cramps in the lower abdomen and reduce pain. This method works because the heat helps relax the muscles that cause uterine contractions. If you don’t have a heating pad, you can pour warm water into an empty plastic bottle. Try not to pour too hot water or wrap a heating pad in a towel so as not to burn yourself.
At night you can use special
Kotex night panties. Sleeping in them is much more comfortable than with a pad, they fit perfectly to the body in any position and protect against leaks from all sides. After all, after giving birth, most women have more important things to do than spend time worrying about stains on their underwear.
Get plenty of rest. After losing a significant amount of blood, the body is weakened and needs extra time to recover.
Try to lead an active lifestyle. It is not necessary to sign up for a gym right away, just move more, for example, walk regularly or play with your dog.