weird, maybe gross question

starla-dear

This might be better if posted in 0-6, but...

I know PP bleeding is very heavy...and I am strangely afraid of this.  Before being preg, every once in awhile I would get a terrible period that would be extremely heavy, and because of the loss of blood I would get faint/dizzy and nauseous.  I tended to get this very easily, and usually needed to eat very often, be very aware of it, etc. when I got periods like that. 

Is the PP bleeding just your body getting rid of the excess blood that it carries from being pregnant, or is it actually have a significant loss of blood like during a period?

chipsgrrl

Mine was actually lighter than my periods and didn't even last a week. The nurses said I was extremely different from most of the women they see. I have no idea if that is true but most of my friends bled for a few weeks. Most of them said the first few days were heavier than a period then gradually slacked off to spotting. I was prepared for blood and so shocked not to really have it. I'm sure this time I'll be dripping all over the place!!!!!!!

mrs.m-ski

It's only really heavy for a little while. By the time you leave the hospital it's about the amount of a period, but it'll last longer and SLOWLY decrease. I'm not exactly sure where the blood comes from - maybe a little bit of both of what you ask about? Just remember that it's totally normal. If you are worried about any of it, call your doc, that's what they're there for, even after delivery!